Carlos Alcaraz addresses burnout, reduces off-court commitments ahead of return

Carlos Alcaraz told Sky Sports that he feels burnt out after a grueling schedule of matches, media duties and brand work, a fatigue that worsened during the long lay‑off he endured after a wrist injury in April. He said the constant exposure on and off the court left him “drained” and forced him to rethink his commitments.

The 21‑year‑old has been the sport’s biggest story since he won the US Open in 2023 and rose to world No. 2. His success has brought a packed calendar: he played 72 matches in the past 12 months, appeared on multiple TV shows, and signed a multi‑year deal with a major sportswear brand that requires frequent travel and promotional events. Critics have warned that the pressure to maintain his marketability could clash with the physical demands of elite tennis, especially as the season moves into the hard‑court swing.

Alcaraz’s injury occurred at the Barcelona Open in early April, when he slipped on a clay court and fractured his left wrist. The fracture kept him out of the French Open and forced him to miss the grass‑court season, including Wimbledon. In a press conference last week, his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero said the wrist has healed but the mental toll of missing three Grand Slams is evident. Alcaraz’s ranking slipped from No. 2 to No. 5 during his absence, and his prize‑money earnings this year have already fallen 15 percent compared with 2023.

The Spaniard plans to return at the upcoming North American hard‑court events, starting with the Cincinnati Masters, where he will test his fitness and limit off‑court obligations. His team says they will trim promotional appearances and focus on a balanced training load. If he can stay healthy, Alcaraz still has a realistic chance to finish the year inside the top three and contend for another major title. The next few months will show whether his new approach can restore both his performance and his peace of mind.