Carlos Alcaraz: An Italian doctor’s opinion sparks controversy in Spain over Jannik Sinner’s rival
Controversy in Spain over remarks made by Gianni Daniele, chairman of the Italian Tennis Federation’s medical committee, who commented on Carlos Alcaraz’s situation following his concerning wrist injury. In an interview with La Repubblica, Daniele made some controversial remarks that made headlines in all the Spanish newspapers.
“We haven’t heard much from Spain about exactly what kind of wrist injury Carlos sustained. Now speculation is growing about a possible mental weakness. As he struggles to regain his previous intensity on the court, he seems to have developed a form of depression in his mind—a vicious cycle that robs him of his former confidence. Doubts seem to be taking over his mind, and it’s a shame—even for the world No. 1—not to have an opponent of immense class.”
In addition to Jannik Sinner’s rival, Daniele had also focused on Sinner himself, who, like the player from Murcia, skipped Montreal and Cincinnati due to a knee problem: “After Wimbledon, he took a break and then resumed intense training for hard courts, which are very demanding on the joints. The world No. 1 doesn’t go to a Masters 1000 just to train, play a couple of rounds, and then go home. I think it’s a precautionary decision, not a serious issue to worry about.”
The Murcia native has been sidelined since the Barcelona tournament and missed Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Now he also risks missing the U.S. Open: missing three consecutive Grand Slams would be a first in his career. According to rumors leaked by his entourage, Alcaraz has recovered only 55% of his peak form, with his staff reportedly setting a minimum threshold of 85–90% before authorizing any return to competition. Former Grand Slam finalist Greg Rusedski was blunt: “You can rule out the U.S. Open at this point. There’s no chance he’ll play if he’s missed Cincinnati.” According to some reports, the possibility of him being sidelined until 2027 cannot be ruled out either.
