“Carlos Alcaraz should consider avoiding tournaments, warns Toni Nadal.”

Carlos Alcaraz, the Spanish tennis prodigy and current world number one, is facing concerning questions about his physical condition, according to legendary coach Toni Nadal. In a pointed analysis, Toni stated that Alcaraz “seems to be running in reserve mode” and suggested that he should consider taking an extended break. This warning comes after a grueling series of competitions, where the young talent has already played 17 of the 18 possible matches in 2026, including notable victories at the Australian Open and the Qatar Open.

After an impressive run, Alcaraz’s unbeaten streak was halted by Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals of the Indian Wells Open last week. Despite entering the match with four consecutive victories over the Russian, Alcaraz was unable to maintain his momentum and ultimately lost 6-3, 7-6 (7-3). The match left many fans and analysts questioning whether his constant effort might be affecting his performance.

In the post-match press conference, a reporter noted that Alcaraz did not appear to be at his physical best, but the player quickly dismissed this concern. He attributed his struggles to the demands of the hot and humid conditions, stating: “It was because of the heat. In the first set, I was not bad, but the long rallies, especially against Daniil, require extra effort on almost every shot.”

Alcaraz detailed his experience on the court, explaining that long rallies require significant energy expenditure, especially under intense heat. “I felt like I was wasting extra energy with every shot. In the second set, I started to feel better, I realized what I had to do and accepted that I would have to suffer,” he stated.

Toni Nadal, who shaped the career of his famous nephew Rafael Nadal, expressed his concern about Alcaraz’s physical condition. He noted that at various moments during the match, the young player seemed “to be running on reserve mode, with less energy than usual.” This observation led Toni to ponder whether Alcaraz should consider stepping back from certain tournaments. “He is fighting for the number one position. I don’t know; Samu López and he will decide,” he commented.

With Jannik Sinner‘s victory over Medvedev in the final of the Indian Wells Open, Alcaraz’s lead in the race for the top spot in the ATP ranking has been reduced to just over 2,000 points. The Spaniard will have 2,340 points to defend until the French Open, while Sinner will only lose 650 points, placing Alcaraz in a delicate position regarding his competitive schedule.

As the season progresses, Alcaraz’s decision on how to manage his time on the court and his physical health will be crucial. Whether the young tennis player opts for a strategic rest or continues to fight to maintain his number one status, the attention of the tennis world will be firmly focused on him.