Tennis pundit highlights what Carlos Alcaraz is doing that can negatively impact his career

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Tennis pundit Alex Corretja has warned Carlos Alcaraz about suffering burnout early in his career.

The Spaniard is one of tennis’ most physically gifted players as his relentless aggression and power on court, in addition to his excellent movement, demonstrates.

He is one of the sport’s best players and thousands of fans flock to arenas to watch his electrifying brand of tennis.

But the 21-year-old’s playing style in addition to the number of events he plays has the former two-time French Open winner worried that Alcaraz’s packed schedule can increase the risk of injury.

Alex Corretja worries about Carlos Alcaraz’s heavy schedule

There were question marks surrounding Alcaraz’s fitness as he withdrew from the Italian Open due to an arm injury.

He is currently playing with a protective sleeve on his right arm at Roland Garros, and he seems to be playing without any limitations through his first two matches.

But given some of the injuries the World number three has already suffered in his career, Corretja thinks he needs to prioritise his schedule to minimise the risk of injury.

“I was playing 30 matches a year, he’s playing 60 plus the finals of Slams and Masters at his age,” he told Eurosport. “He grew up so fast and he developed his body very strong very soon.

“That’s why he got some injuries, because otherwise, maybe he wouldn’t still be No.1. If he had slowly developed, maybe he would’ve been around No.15, but as he got there so quickly, it’s normal what happened to him. He needs to control the schedule, which will be key in his career.”

When was Carlos injured in 2024?

Alcaraz has endured multiple injuries since his breakout year in 2022 and it has continued in 2024.

He suffered a twisted ankle against Thiango Monteiro in his opening Rio Open encounter in February.

Though he successfully defended the Indian Wells title soon after, another arm injury forced him to pull out of Monte Carlo and defending his Barcelona Open title.

Alcaraz played in Madrid, but withdrew from the Italian Open due to the same issue. Therefore, he entered Roland Garros with fewer clay court matches than he would have liked, but the third seed will do all he can to triumph in Paris.