Mouratoglou criticizes the breaks planned by Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz returned to the ATP circuit at the US Open after 4 and a half months of absence due to a wrist injury. Beyond the high level displayed in New York, the Spanish tennis player also emphasized in the press conference his intention to skip more tournaments in the future and take breaks to prioritize his physical condition and avoid injuries, something that the renowned coach Patrick Mouratoglou has criticized.

Every time the Frenchman speaks, it raises eyebrows, and this time he did so through a LinkedIn post where he expressed his dissatisfaction with Alcaraz's statements. Mouratoglou understands that Carlos might choose to skip a tournament or two, but he considers that a month or even two months of rest that the Spaniard wants to take is excessive due to what it could mean for his aspirations in the major tournaments. According to him, the Murcia player needs to get match practice, and that is achieved week after week, so he should find a balance so that it doesn't take its toll on him.

"Carlos said that there are too many tournaments and that he wants to focus on the most important ones. He is 22 years old. When you are 22, you play. There are moments when he doesn’t feel like it, I understand that, and it’s important for him to confront it because Carlos is Carlos when he is inspired. When inspired, he is probably the best player in the world, and that enthusiasm must be kept alive throughout the season. But he also needs matches. To continue developing his tennis and arrive physically prepared for a Grand Slam, something he couldn’t do here. Enough to be ready, not so many that he arrives without energy. That balance is delicate, and it is his responsibility to find it.", he concluded.

Alcaraz's main objective for the end of 2026

In the case of the US Open, Mouratoglou believes that Alcaraz did what he could considering he arrived with some limitations. However, he hopes that he does not take those breaks he mentioned during the Asian tour, as he has dropped to number 3 in the rankings and could accumulate quite a few points and secure some important tournaments that he lacks in his credentials.

“No one can blame him for what happened at the US Open: he was injured. Whatever comes next is a decision he must make. I don’t know how motivated he is to go to Asia, but I think he needs matches. After this US Open, it is important for him to keep playing. I’m not saying he should play every week, but at least the big tournaments. I would like to see him play at least two tournaments in Asia and two indoors before the season ends, and he should aim to win them," he continued.

Moreover, he is clear about what Alcaraz's main goal should be by the end of the year: The ATP Finals. “There is also a title he has never won: the ATP Finals, where the eight best players in the world gather. After so many months of absence, that is precisely the ambition I want to see.”

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Mouratoglou critica los descansos que planea Alcaraz