A senior figure in the Italian Tennis Federation has made a bold claim about Carlos Alcaraz after suggesting the tennis star is rumoured to be experiencing problems with his mentality.
Gianni Daniele is the Chair of the Medical and Anti-Doping Commission of the Italian Tennis Federation. In a recent interview with la Repubblica, he spoke about an array of topics, but the most intriguing issue was Alcaraz. Daniele claims there are indications that the tennis star could be experiencing ‘a form of depression’ that is affecting his ability to regain confidence. However, he provided no evidence to prove this or commented on where these rumours emerged from.
“It’s never been entirely clear what kind of wrist injury Carlos suffered,” II Tennis Italiano quoted Daniele as saying.
“Now there’s a rumour going around that he’s experiencing a sort of mental weakness. Struggling to regain his former intensity, a form of depression has reportedly set in, creating a vicious cycle that prevents him from regaining the same confidence he had in the past.”
Alcaraz hasn’t played on the Tour since April due to a right wrist injury. He has been suffering from tenosynovitis, which is a condition where inflammation occurs in the protective sheath surrounding the wrist tendons.
“Doubts are beginning to take hold in his mind, and it’s a real shame—even for the world No. 1—not to be facing a rival of immense class,” Gianni added.
Recently, Alcaraz pulled out of the Cincinnati Masters in what was set to be his comeback event. He is still on the US Open entry list, but there are doubts over his ability to play in New York, where he is the defending champion. He hasn’t missed the tournament since making his main draw debut in 2021.
Alcaraz’s injury trouble occurred after a strong start to the season. He completed a career Grand Slam by defeating Novak Djokovic to win the Australian Open in January. He also won the Qatar Open, was a runner-up at the Monte Carlo Masters and reached the semi-finals of the Indian Wells Masters.
Neither Alcaraz or any member of his team has commented on the remarks made by Daniele.
