Controversy over Alcaraz's condition after Italian medic mentions possible 'depression'

Gianni Daniele, president of the medical commission of the Italian Tennis Federation, has sparked a debate by suggesting that Carlos Alcaraz's recent absence from competition may involve more than a wrist injury — possibly a mental-health issue. The comments quickly met with criticism in Spain.

Daniele offered his assessment while discussing player fitness and withdrawals. His remarks drew attention because they move beyond strictly physical diagnosis and into conjecture about a top player's psychological state.

"From Spain there are not clear information about exactly what kind of wrist injury Carlos suffered. Now there are more and more speculations about possible mental weakness. Trying again to reach his former level of intensity, it seems he has fallen into some kind of depression, a vicious circle that does not allow him to regain confidence," Daniele said, and then added:

On Jannik Sinner's withdrawal

When the conversation turned to Jannik Sinner's withdrawal from the Cincinnati event, Daniele was markedly more cautious and specific about the Italian player's situation.

"After Wimbledon, he took a break, and then started training very intensively again for the hard courts, which are extremely hard on the wrists. The world No. 1 does not go to a Masters only to train there, to play two rounds, and then to go home. I think the withdrawal was a preventive decision, not something serious to be worried about."

The exchange has reopened discussion about how teams and national federations communicate injuries and the limits of public medical commentary on elite athletes' mental health. Alcaraz remains one of the sport's foremost figures, and any uncertainty about his condition attracts intense scrutiny.

Photo: press material from the event