Carlos Alcaraz may miss one of his top priorities this year due to a demanding schedule

Carlos Alcaraz’s 2026 season has hit a bump in the road after his withdrawal from the Barcelona Open.

The world number four pulled out of his match against Tomas Machac in Barcelona due to a wrist injury he sustained against Otto Virtanen.

Alcaraz has often struggled with the clay court schedule, and he could skip the Madrid Open for the second year in a row.

And it may not be the only major tournament Alcaraz misses next year, if Roberto Bautista Agut is to be believed.

Carlos Alcaraz facing another possible 2026 tournament skip

Roberto Bautista Agut has raised questions over whether Carlos Alcaraz will be available for Spain’s Davis Cup clash with Chile in September, speaking to Clay about the growing uncertainty.

When asked if he expects Alcaraz to feature, Bautista Agut said: “I think it will be difficult for Carlos to be there. It will be a tough tie against a very strong team like Chile, with Jarry, Garín, Tabilo, Barrios… a great team. Spain will have to be very well prepared if they want to compete.”

The timing of the Davis Cup ties is tricky, falling right between the US Open and Laver Cup – both tournaments where Alcaraz is expected to play.

The tie winner moves on to the Davis Cup Finals in November, raising the stakes even further.

Bautista Agut isn’t expecting Alcaraz to suit up for Spain this time around. However, Carlos has made it clear in the past that bringing home a Davis Cup title for his country is one of his biggest goals.

What Alcaraz has previously said about Davis Cup in 2026

Early this year, Alcaraz was asked about his main objectives for the season.

The Davis Cup came up twice in his answer, so there’s a chance he decides to play Spain’s tough tie against Chile.

He replied: “A few Masters 1000, I just really wanted to complete all the Masters 1000, trying to win at least once. Obviously, the ATP Finals and the Davis Cup. The Davis Cup, it is a goal as well.”

Alcaraz missed last year’s finals because of injury, as Spain lost out to Italy who went on to win the tournament.

The Spaniard hasn’t played since facing the Netherlands in the quarter-finals back in 2024.

Alcaraz picked up a singles win over Tallon Griekspoor but then lost in doubles alongside Marcel Granollers against Botic van de Zandschulp and Wesley Koolhof.

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