Why Carlos Alcaraz’s Golf Habit Is Getting Blamed for His Tennis Troubles

Carlos Alcaraz isn’t just a tennis star—he’s also known for his love of golf. After matches, he’s been seen swinging clubs with the same intensity he uses on the court. Even rival Novak Djokovic once joked about Alcaraz’s powerful drives, calling them fearless. But now, his off-court hobby is under scrutiny. Critics wonder if his golf sessions might be part of why he’s been sidelined with injuries. A former pro player recently suggested that Alcaraz’s extracurricular activities could be slowing his recovery. In a podcast, he argued that at Alcaraz’s level, every choice matters—even fun ones like golf or football. Sure enough, Alcaraz pulled out of two big tournaments early, and doctors later said his wrist needed more time. He skipped another two major events, including the French Open, where he was last year’s winner.The tight schedule of pro tennis doesn’t help. Wimbledon is just weeks after the French Open, leaving little room for error. Already, Alcaraz could lose thousands of ranking points, widening the gap between him and Jannik Sinner. But is golf really to blame? Many top players—Federer, Nadal, Djokovic—have played golf without issues. Even Alcaraz himself has spent off-days on the course with other stars. Still, the wrist injury is serious. Without a clear diagnosis, fans worry about hidden risks. Past players like Juan Martín del Potro saw their careers stall because of wrist problems. Alcaraz knows he can’t afford the same fate. Taking a step back might be the smart move, even if it hurts his short-term rankings. Some, like coach Toni Nadal, argue that skipping the French Open could actually help. A break might give Alcaraz the mental reset he needs. Others, though, question why the injury details aren’t being shared. Transparency matters when careers are on the line.