Carlos Alcaraz's off-court habits, including his passion for golf and video games, have been cited as contributing factors to the wrist injury that has forced him to cut short his clay court campaign. The Spaniard is currently recovering from the injury, which has forced him to withdraw from both the Madrid Open and the French Open.
Injury Forces Withdrawals
His withdrawal from Roland Garros later this month means Alcaraz will be unable to defend the title he has claimed for the past two consecutive years. Last year, he triumphed in a gruelling five-set battle against Jannik Sinner to retain the crown.
The world No. 2 sustained the injury during the Barcelona Open, forcing him to pull out of that tournament as well. There is currently no indication of when he will make his comeback, though he remains registered to defend his title at Queen's Club in June as the grass court season gets underway.
Uncertain Return Timeline
Queen's Club falls just days before Wimbledon kicks off on 29 June. Some reports indicate he could be a doubt for the entire grass court season, with a return during the hard court season considered more likely.
As Alcaraz continues his recovery, speculation has mounted that the 22-year-old's lifestyle may have played a part in the injury. He makes no secret of his fondness for golf, and is known to spend considerable time on the course when away from the tennis circuit.
Criticism from Commentators
Reports from EuroSport Italia have now used his off-court activities as a stick to beat Alcaraz with, suggesting they may have contributed to his injury. The outlet also points to the time spent playing video games with his friends as a possible factor.
The criticism goes further, with claims that Alcaraz's passion for golf means he makes fewer sacrifices than his rivals, including world No. 1 Sinner. During the podcast Schiaffo Al Volo, Eurosport commentator Jacopo Lo Monaco argued that Alcaraz's wrist injury could 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's Perspective on Golf
Sinner has previously opened up about his own fondness for golf, but explained why he won't take to the fairways 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 quizzed last year about whether he would take to the fairways with Alcaraz during the Cincinnati Open, he said: "No, no no! Carlos is too good for me. With my team [it] is better!"
As Alcaraz focuses on recovery, the debate over athlete lifestyle choices continues, with many questioning whether top players need to make more sacrifices to avoid injuries.
