British tennis star Jack Draper's challenging return from injury hit another setback at the Barcelona Open, as he was forced to retire from his first-round match against Argentina's Tomas Martin Etcheverry due to a knee issue.

Playing his first match of the clay-court season, Draper started strong, taking the first set 6-3. However, his movement became visibly hampered, leading to a 6-3 loss in the second set. The 24-year-old world number 28 received physio treatment and had tape applied below his right knee before the deciding set began.

Struggling to move freely, Draper was broken twice in the third set. At 4-1 down, he conceded the match, a frustrating halt to his comeback journey. This tournament was only his fourth event since returning in February from a six-month absence caused by a bruised bone in his serving arm.

Etcheverry, who advances to the second round, praised Draper after the match, calling him a "great competitor" and "fighter," and expressed hope for his swift recovery. Draper's ongoing fitness battle is a stark reminder of the physical demands of the tour, especially during the grueling clay swing.

Meanwhile, fellow Briton Cameron Norrie, who recently reclaimed the British number one ranking, is set to begin his Barcelona campaign later against veteran Stan Wawrinka.