Carlos Alcaraz’s ‘non-public time’ exercise blamed for wrist harm and Madrid Open absence
Carlos Alcaraz has been forced to withdraw from both the Madrid Open and French Open due to a wrist injury, with the World No. 2 also reportedly a doubt for Wimbledon
Carlos Alcaraz is recovering from a wrist injury that has seen him withdraw from the French Open. (Image: Europa Press Sports, Europa Press via Getty Images)
Carlos Alcaraz’s lifestyle, including his fondness for golf and video games in his private time, has had an impact on the injury that has prematurely ended his clay court season, it has been suggested.
The Spaniard is recuperating from a wrist injury that led to his withdrawal from both the Madrid Open and the French Open. His absence from Roland Garros next month means that Alcaraz will be unable to defend the title he has clinched for the past two years. Last year, he emerged victorious from an intense five-set duel with Jannik Sinner to retain the crown.
The world No.2 sustained the injury during the Barcelona Open, compelling him to also pull out of that tournament. There’s no clear indication of when he’ll return, although he currently remains committed to defending his title at the Queens Club in June, marking the start of the grass season.
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The tournament takes place just days before Wimbledon kicks off on 29 June. Some reports suggest he could be doubtful for the grass-court season, with a comeback for the hard-court season appearing more likely.
As Alcaraz continues his recovery, there have been some claims that his lifestyle has contributed to the injury. The 22-year-old has made no secret of his passion for golf, and spends time on the course when away from the tennis court.
It is suggested that Alcaraz’s passion for golf means he makes fewer sacrifices than his competitors, including rival Sinner. During the podcast Schiaffo Al Volo, Eurosport commentator Jacopo Lo Monaco suggested that Alcaraz’s wrist injury might be linked to playing golf.
He said: “The wrist is vulnerable, and sometimes you have to take care of your body while also understanding that, as a professional athlete, you may have to give up things you enjoy because it could make the situation worse. You could inflame a body part by doing movements you can avoid.
“We’ve done a little research. Can playing too much golf have an impact? It certainly could. Spending hours playing video games – and I think many of you have done this – can cause pain in your fingers, hands, or wrists after a while, if you keep playing.
“If he hadn’t done it, would the same inflammation have developed? Maybe yes, maybe not. The life of an athlete at this level is also a life of sacrifice.”
Sinner has previously discussed his own passion for golf, but disclosed why he won’t play alongside Alcaraz. “I love to golf because you have a moment for yourself. You don’t see people,” he told the Tennis Channel.
“You don’t use the phone. I really like to put some music and just cruise around. That, for me, is my golf. I’m not there to compete. I don’t even have a handicap.”
When questioned last year about whether he would play with Alcaraz during the Cincinnati Open, he responded: “No, no no! Carlos is too good for me. With my team [it] is better!”
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