Carlos Alcaraz has opened up about the toll that a relentless schedule and constant public attention have taken on him, describing a sense of burnout that set in even before a serious injury forced him out of competition for several months. The 21‑year‑old Spaniard, who captured the Australian Open crown earlier this year, was sidelined for more than four months after sustaining a right‑wrist injury in April. He made his comeback at the US Open, where he fought his way to the quarter‑finals before falling in a dramatic five‑set match against American Ben Shelton that didn’t conclude until 3:33 a.m. local time.
Alcaraz explained that the sheer density of the modern tennis calendar left him with little room to breathe. He told Sky’s Jacquie Beltrao at the O2 in London that he intends to incorporate longer breaks into his routine and to skip certain events in order to preserve his physical and mental health. “I can’t schedule the breaks in advance,” he said.
“It depends on how I feel mentally and physically.” He went on to describe the calendar as "super tight," noting that the proliferation of high‑profile tournaments and an increasing number of Masters 1000 events packed into two‑week windows makes the season feel endless. "You have to stay focused from day one to the final day, plus the Grand Slams and everything else," Alcaraz added, emphasizing that the cumulative match load can become overwhelming. "If I’m injured or mentally down, I’ll need those breaks.
I realize it’s better to take them before an injury happens." The Spanish star also reflected on the constant exposure that comes with being a top‑ranked player. Even when he isn’t on the court, he is surrounded by cameras, media obligations, and social events that add to the pressure. "You expose yourself at every tournament, but it’s not just the matches.
It’s every dinner, every interview, every time a camera follows you. That can be hard to handle at this level," Alcaraz said, acknowledging that the nonstop spotlight can be mentally draining. He confessed that, at times, the only sanctuary he finds is the quiet of his home, surrounded by close friends and family. "Home is my peace.
When I can relax and be myself with my loved ones, that’s when I recharge," he explained. Alcaraz’s recent injury forced him to miss both the French Open and Wimbledon, amplifying his sense of fatigue.
He admitted that the combination of physical strain and mental exhaustion made those absences especially difficult. Yet he also recognized that stepping back can be a strategic move. "I need a more balanced lifestyle," he said, noting that thoughtful planning of rest periods could actually improve his performance when he returns to competition.
"I don’t want to feel like ‘I have to be there because I have to.’ I want to be there because I want to, and that feeling is crucial for me." He emphasized that sometimes missing tournaments is necessary for his well‑being. "Sometimes things have to be missed and I want to miss tennis sometimes," he remarked, underscoring his desire for a sustainable career rather than a relentless sprint. Former doubles champion Jamie Murray, speaking to Sky Sports Tennis, echoed Alcaráz’s concerns.
Murray pointed out that the tour now demands more time away from home than ever before, and younger players are watching veterans like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal extend their careers by being selective about their schedules. "If they want to play into their mid‑30s, they’ll have to skip events, and the tour needs to understand that," Murray said. He added that the tour must accommodate the needs of over a hundred players who all wish to compete at the highest level.
In light of these revelations, many fans are calling for a reevaluation of how the tennis season is structured, suggesting that more built‑in rest periods could benefit both players’ longevity and the overall quality of competition. Alcaraz’s candidness offers a window into the personal challenges elite athletes face beyond the scoreboard, highlighting the delicate balance between ambition, health, and personal happiness.
For those who want to follow Alcaraz’s journey, live streams of his matches are available on NOW and the Sky Sports App, and he will be featured in the upcoming Laver Cup at the O2 in London from September 25‑27, broadcast live on Sky Sports.