Gianni Danieli, the Italian Tennis Federation’s chief medical officer, has questioned the nature of Carlos Alcaraz’s wrist injury and suggested the Spanish player may be experiencing a period of psychological decline.
In an interview with Italian newspaper La Repubblica, Danieli said there had been no official explanation from the Spanish camp about Alcaraz’s condition. He argued that the lack of clarity had fuelled speculation about both the player’s mental state and his ability to rediscover the form that has established him among the leading figures in world tennis.
“Spain has not yet clarified the nature of Alcaraz’s wrist injury, and speculation is now increasing that he is going through a period of psychological weakness,” Danieli said. “He wants to regain his previous level but is suffering from a kind of depression, a vicious circle that prevents him from recovering his self-confidence.”
The comments have prompted a strong reaction because they link an undisclosed physical problem with Alcaraz’s personal wellbeing without any publicly announced medical diagnosis from the player or his representatives.
Danieli added: “Doubts are beginning to emerge,” while also expressing regret that his fellow Italian Jannik Sinner had not been able to face a player of Alcaraz’s standard.
The uncertainty surrounding Alcaraz has continued as details of his wrist problem remain unclear, including when he might return to competition. Danieli’s assessment has therefore intensified the focus on the four-time Grand Slam champion, although the Italian medical official did not provide further evidence for his comments.
Sinner withdrawal described as precautionary
Danieli also discussed Sinner’s decision to withdraw from the Cincinnati Masters 1000 because of knee pain, but said the move did not necessarily indicate a serious injury.
“Tennis players are concerned not only with their physical health,” he said. “The world number one does not take part in a 1,000-point Masters tournament to train, play two matches and then return home.”
The comments suggested Danieli viewed Sinner’s withdrawal as a precaution designed to protect the player rather than a sign of a major fitness problem.
He played down concerns over Sinner’s prospects at the US Open, although he acknowledged that the Italian’s condition would need to be monitored closely.
“We should not exaggerate this matter, although we must keep a close eye on him, and I think he will be fine at the US Open,” Danieli said.
The Italian added that Sinner could encounter difficulties in the opening rounds of the tournament, as happened at Wimbledon, but described those risks as “calculated risks”.
Sinner’s withdrawal and Alcaraz’s unexplained wrist problem have both created uncertainty ahead of the US Open. However, Danieli’s remarks place the greater spotlight on Alcaraz, whose physical condition, confidence and timetable for returning to competitive tennis remain unclear.
