Becker Unfiltered on Alcaraz's Team: "They Need to Protect Him from Himself"

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Arthur Millot

le 28/04/2025 à 11h07

2 min to read

Alcaraz Becker

After a mixed start to the season, Alcaraz has bounced back to a very high level, winning the first clay-court Masters 1000 of the year. Currently sidelined with an adductor injury, the Spaniard had to withdraw from the Madrid tournament. These inconsistencies and injuries have begun to raise concerns among some experts.

In the latest episode of his podcast with Andrea Petkovic, the German addressed the struggles faced by the world No. 3. He also reminded Alcaraz’s team of the importance of managing not just his physical but also his mental well-being:

"We’re talking about a 21-year-old who could no longer handle the expectations and pressure. This is about mental health. A person like that almost reached depression. So those around him need to ask themselves: Did we do something wrong? Expect too much from such a young player? Should he really have to perform like a machine at just 21? They need to protect Carlos from himself. You can see he’s pushing too hard, so let’s remember—we’ll still need him in ten years."

Djokovic’s former coach also mentioned the advice he gave the Spaniard during the Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony:

"I told Alcaraz: ‘This isn’t a sprint, your life is a marathon.’ And he replied: ‘You’re right. Tell that to my team.’ I was in the same situation at his age, between 21 and 22. When you’re not playing with your heart and just moving from one tournament to the next. The contracts are very lucrative, and the organizations have very specific clauses, meaning only an injury can save you. But that’s not how it should be, and that’s why I worry for him. I hope he comes back strong to defend his title at Roland Garros."