Carlos Alcaraz has opened up about the toll that a relentless schedule and constant public scrutiny have taken on his wellbeing, confessing that he felt burned out even before a serious wrist injury forced him out of competition for several months. The 22‑year‑old Spaniard, who captured the Australian Open crown earlier this year, was sidelined for more than four months after sustaining a right‑wrist problem in April.
He made his comeback at the US Open, fighting his way to the quarter‑finals before succumbing in a dramatic five‑set clash to American Ben Shelton that didn’t conclude until 3:33 a.m. local time.
Alcaraz explained to Sky’s Jacquie Beltrao at London’s O2 arena that the grueling nature of the modern tennis calendar leaves little room for recovery, and he now intends to schedule longer breaks and even skip certain events to protect his mental and physical health. “I can’t plan those breaks far in advance,” he said. “It depends on how I feel both mentally and physically.” He highlighted that the tour’s schedule is packed with a growing number of high‑profile tournaments, including an increasing number of Masters 1000 events that often unfold over two consecutive weeks. "You have to stay focused from day one to the final day, plus the Grand Slams and everything else," Alcaraz added, noting that the sheer volume of matches can become overwhelming.
He stressed that if he senses an injury creeping in or notices a dip in his mental state, he will prioritize taking time off before the situation escalates. "I realize it’s better to step back before I get injured," he explained. This sentiment was reinforced by his experience earlier in the season when he missed both the French Open and Wimbledon due to the same wrist issue. The young champion described the exhaustion as both physical and mental, pointing out that the pressure extends far beyond the court.
"You expose yourself at every tournament, not just when you step onto the court," Alcarz said. "Every dinner, every interaction with fans, every camera that follows you – it can be overwhelming when you’re constantly in the spotlight at that level." He admitted that these constant demands can be mentally draining, prompting him to retreat to the privacy of his home whenever possible. "Home is my peace," he said, emphasizing how valuable it is to relax with family and close friends away from the relentless media attention. The Spanish star also acknowledged that a more balanced lifestyle is essential if he wants to sustain a long career.
He noted that even when he does take a break, he must be strategic about timing so that he returns to competition feeling refreshed and ready to enjoy the experience rather than feeling obligated. "I don’t want to feel like ‘I have to be there and play because I have to,’" Alcaraz explained. "I want to be there because I want to, and that feeling is crucial for me.
Sometimes you have to miss tennis, and that’s okay." Former doubles champion Jamie Murray, speaking to Sky Sports Tennis, voiced his support for Alcaraz’s perspective, noting that the tour now demands more time away from home than ever before. Murray pointed out that younger players are observing how legends such as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have extended their careers by carefully managing their schedules, often opting out of certain tournaments to preserve longevity. "If they want to keep playing into their mid‑30s, they’ll need to skip events, and the tour has to take that into account," Murray said. Alcaraz’s comments come at a time when the tennis community is debating how to balance the sport’s commercial growth with player welfare.
With more tournaments, longer seasons, and increasing media obligations, many athletes are voicing concerns about burnout. Alcaraz’s candidness underscores a broader shift: top players are no longer willing to sacrifice their health and personal lives merely to meet a packed calendar. Looking ahead, Alcaraz hopes that his approach will inspire changes that allow players to enjoy the sport without feeling trapped by an unrelenting schedule. He believes that a healthier work‑life balance will not only extend careers but also improve the quality of play, as athletes can compete when they truly feel ready and motivated.
In the meantime, fans can continue to follow his journey through broadcasts on platforms such as NOW and the Sky Sports app, and even catch live action at events like the Laver Cup at London’s O2 arena from September 25‑27.