Looks like we’re sensing some tension in Carlos Alcaraz‘s camp. The Spaniard almost always maintained a healthy shape and evaded physical troubles when others struggled, despite performing with less aggressiveness. While fans hoped for a strong finish to his season at the ATP Finals, recent updates seemingly indicate a different outcome. Spoiler alert  – he might have to conclude his Turin campaign abruptly.

He was off to a disappointing start in Turin. Alcaraz brutally lost to Norwegian rival Casper Ruud in the round-robin opener of the year-end championship. What was more surprising, was his bouts of respiratory struggles. The Spaniard was visibly exhausted, way before the intensity could’ve caught up with him. With two more group-stage clashes scheduled, the Spanish sensation likely stands a chance to qualify for the event’s latter stages, however, a medical issue might thwart those chances.

As per official updates received on X, it was notified that Alcaraz “continues to have respiratory problems despite accumulating four days of taking antibiotics. He will rest today waiting to improve his feelings for tomorrow’s game.” The former World No. 1’s struggles with health come as no surprise.

After getting knocked out by Ruud, the young talent delved into his stomach problems in a post-match presser. Alcaraz expressed not feeling at his 100% and confirmed that he “got sick before coming here. When I came, the training sessions were going well, I was feeling good despite being sick, I could compete, engage in long rallies. I don’t know if it was nerves from playing the first match, but I didn’t feel quite well. My stomach limited me a lot from being able to play and feel comfortable”. Rest assured, Alcaraz’s drop in endurance isn’t baseless – in fact – it’s got more to do with his mental health.

Carlos Alcaraz admits feelings mentally drained after a demanding season

A long season. That’s what it was for Spanish superstar Carlos Alcaraz. Naturally, adding two more Majors to his resume in Melbourne and Paris was bound to do the trick. What’s rather surprising is how the hectic touring calendar has done a number on the former World No. 1. And this wasn’t the first time. After losing the elusive Olympic gold to Serbian Novak Djokovic, Alcaraz couldn’t compose himself. His drop in mental health and form exacted a heavy toll on his North American hardcourt swing. Unfortunately, it’s happening again.

While talking to the media in Turin, Alcaraz noted: “Mentally, I am tired. It’s many matches in a very tight schedule, in a demanding year with not too many resting days, there are few periods when you can rest at home. I think I am much better this year than last year, but I have to find a way to play good tennis while being mentally tired.”

With no real-time status on his health scorecard, fans are worried about what’s next for Alcaraz. If he concedes mid-event, the Spaniard will likely take time off to recover and take to the courts next at the Australian hardcourt rubber in 2025. If not, he will lock horns with Russian player Andrey Rublev on Wednesday, November 13.