Carlos Alcaraz has had a difficult start to 2025 on and off the court, with German tennis icon Boris Becker one of many to voice concerns over the Spaniard's wellbeing
09:47, 06 May 2025
Boris Becker has sent a strong warning to rising tennis star Carlos Alcaraz, reminding him that "this isn't a sprint, your life is a marathon". The young Spaniard has had a rollercoaster start to 2025, winning his first indoor hardcourt title at the ABN AMRO Open and also emerging victorious at the Monte-Carlo Masters.
However, he bowed out before the semi-finals at the Australian Open, Qatar Open and Miami Open – and he was forced to withdraw from the Madrid Open due to leg injuries.
The 22-year-old's fluctuating performances have raised eyebrows among fans and critics, sparking worry about his mental wellbeing as the tennis season continues. Tennis legend Becker is among those voicing their concerns, as he urged Alcaraz and his team to take a step back from the chaos on the court.
The three-time Wimbledon champion and Olympian shared his thoughts with retired WTA star Andrea Petkovic after Alcaraz confessed he'd thought about taking a break from tennis following his first-round exit in Miami.
Speaking on his podcast, the 57-year-old said: "We're talking about a 21-year-old who couldn't cope with the expectations and the pressure anymore. We're talking about mental health. Someone like that almost reached the point of depression."
Becker then demanded those surrounding Alcaraz to step in and help the young star manage his professional commitments with more care – urging the athlete to learn to "say no".
He said: "So those around him have to ask themselves, 'Haven't we done something wrong?' Demanding too much of such a young player? He almost has to act like a machine... it's hard to say no.
"We have to protect Carlos from himself. But the point is that you can see that he's overexerting himself, he does too much, and I really hope that whether it's his coach or his manager or his father, they need to (communicate), because we still need him in 10 years.
"He's the most spectacular player on the tour right now, he gets the most spectators in, has the largest fanbase, but he can't play every week."
Becker then shared a personal moment between himself and Alcaraz at the Laureus Awards in April, where he told the youngster: "This isn't a sprint, your life is a marathon."
However, it seems this warning is set to fall on deaf ears, as Alcaraz replied with a smile: "You're right. Talk to my people."
This response from the Spaniard showcases that his tennis situation is not a solo decision-making scheme, and is a team effort from his inner circle – giving the impression that he is helpless in being able to step back from a chaotic tennis schedule.
Becker's comments highlight the importance of proper guidance for young, talented athletes, as he related his own experiences of pressure in the sport to the newly-famous Alcaraz.
The Olympic gold medallist said: "I was also in that phase when I was 21-22 , when you're not doing it from your heart, you're running from one commitment to the next, and the contracts are very high paying, and the tournaments have signed contracts, which means you are contractually bound and only an injury can save you, but that is not how it should be, which is why I was worried for him."
Becker added: "I hope he will be fit again in time to defend his title at Roland Garros."
As Alcaraz works towards recovering from his muscular injuries in time for the French Open on May 25, Becker's comments serve as a poignant reminder that even the most talented athletes require time to recharge and develop at their own pace.