Carlos Alcaraz, the current titleholder, and Rafael Nadal, a twelve-time winner of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell Conde de Godó Trophy, headline the tournament lineup for a 70th edition running from April 15 to 23. The event will be staged at the historic Pati d’Armes within Montjuïc Castle, Barcelona, and organizers revealed the details this Thursday.
“It’s never simple to balance two global stars like Nadal and Alcaraz on one team. Carlos is the youngest world No. 1, and Rafa stands as a champion among champions,” commented the Barcelona tournament director, now in his new role alongside the captaincy of the Davis Cup team. The sentiment underscores the excitement of having both players represent the home side this season.
The roster, announced by March 21, will feature Nadal and Alcaraz as the sole players for the tournament. “Having Rafa and Carlos at home is a huge boost for the event. It would have been possible last year, but Rafa’s injury kept him away,” Ferrer noted, reflecting on past challenges.
Two stars sidelined
Alcaraz, who clinched the title in 2022 by defeating Pablo Carreño, and Nadal, who last lifted the trophy in 2021 by beating Stefanos Tsitsipas, are both currently dealing with injuries. The Spanish prodigy, ranked world No. 2, withdrew recently due to a hamstring strain after a loss to Cameron Norrie in the Buenos Aires final. Nadal, ranked world No. 8, has been working back from a hamstring issue that troubled him after the Australian Open.
Alcaraz is eyeing a return at Indian Wells (March 8) before heading to Miami (March 22), where he previously defended his title. The Monte Carlo event (April 9) takes place a week before the Barcelona Open, forming part of a busy spring clay-court schedule.
Ticket sales for the Barcelona Open have progressed rapidly, with about 60% of capacity booked within a month of the venue opening. Xavier Pujol, the tournament’s chief executive, highlighted that the budget is focused on securing Nadal and Alcaraz’s participation, alongside the roster of other stars being announced by Ferrer, who also served as a finalist four times during his playing career. [Attribution: Barcelona Open organizers]