Breaking News: Former Roland Garros Champion Blames Carlos Alcaraz’s Grueling Schedule for Recent Physical Setbacks
In a candid interview making waves across the tennis world, a former Roland Garros champion has attributed Carlos Alcaraz’s recent physical troubles to an overloaded playing schedule. The comments come amid growing concerns about the 21-year-old Spanish sensation’s health, as he has struggled with intermittent injuries throughout the early part of the 2025 season.
Alcaraz, widely regarded as the heir to the Big Three and already a two-time Grand Slam winner, has faced mounting expectations since his meteoric rise to the top of the ATP rankings. However, after withdrawing from multiple tournaments and appearing visibly hampered in recent matches, questions are being raised about how his schedule is being managed.
Speaking on a popular sports network, 2009 French Open champion and clay-court legend Juan Carlos Ferrero—who also happens to be Alcaraz’s longtime coach—acknowledged that the young star may be pushing too hard. “Carlos has a champion’s mindset. He always wants to compete, to improve, to win. But tennis is unforgiving when it comes to workload. These injuries, I believe, are a direct consequence of how packed his calendar has been,” Ferrero said.
Ferrero emphasized that while ambition and commitment are essential for any elite player, the long-term physical toll can be devastating if not carefully managed. “At this level, recovery is as crucial as training. I’ve been through it myself, and sometimes the hardest thing to do is say no to a tournament,” he added.
The comments come after Alcaraz’s surprise exit from the Monte Carlo Masters earlier this month, where he appeared to be nursing a wrist injury. This follows a withdrawal from the Miami Open and a lackluster showing in Indian Wells, where he seemed far from his peak physical form.
With Roland Garros looming just weeks away, concerns are intensifying over whether Alcaraz will be fit to compete for the title many believed he could dominate for years to come. The clay-court season, notoriously demanding, may exacerbate the issues if a more cautious approach isn’t taken.
Several voices within the tennis community have echoed Ferrero’s concerns. Former world number one Mats Wilander noted on Eurosport, “Alcaraz is one of the most exciting players we’ve seen in years, but his game is very physical. The way he moves, the power he generates—it all takes a toll. If he wants to have a long and successful career, adjustments are necessary.”
Fans, too, are beginning to worry, with social media lighting up in support of the young star. Hashtags like #RestAlcaraz and #ProtectCarlos have been trending, reflecting public sentiment that preserving his long-term health is more important than chasing short-term accolades.
As the tennis calendar marches on and the clay courts of Paris draw near, all eyes will be on Alcaraz’s recovery—and whether his team decides to ease off the throttle. For now, one thing is clear: even champions need rest.