Carlos Alcaraz may not be able to play in the US Open despite initial expectations that he would, and now a senior Italian tennis commission head is suggesting he’s got a ‘mental weakness’ issue
Earlier this month, Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from the Cincinnati Open despite being slated to participate. This was notable as it was meant to be the beginning of his ramp-up for the US Open
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The Spanish sensation hasn’t played in a major tournament since the Australian Open earlier this year, where he won the title and completed his career Grand Slam
His rivalry with Jannik Sinner is a major draw for tennis fans in the modern era. And while it’s generally positive, sometimes it also leads to rumours being shared by the most unexpected individuals
ITF Medical Commissioner Chair says ‘doubts are forming’ in Carlos Alcaraz’s mind
Intense rivalries can sometimes take people’s fundamental biases to a different level. It’s not surprising that many Italians favour Sinner and will at times be okay sharing rumours about Alcaraz
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And that’s evident in the latest comments from Gianni Daniele, the Chair of the Medical and Anti-Doping Commission of the Italian Tennis Federation
“It’s never been entirely clear what kind of wrist injury Carlos suffered,” Daniele said in an interview with la Repubblica. “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
“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.”
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What’s interesting is that even Sinner has now withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open with injury concerns. Even if there is any truth to these rumours, sharing them isn’t exactly the classiest move
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