Former Roland Garros champion believes Carlos Alcaraz's recent physical struggles are due to the Spaniard's packed schedule

With the news that Carlos Alcaraz may miss the 2025 Madrid Open due to injury, Italian tennis great Adriano Panatta has speculated that the two-time champion may be indirectly responsible for his setbacks due to his full schedule.

Alcaraz is coming off a runner-up finish at the Barcelona Open, where he fell to Danish star Holger Rune in straight sets. Prior to Barcelona, the former World No.1 had competed at the Monte-Carlo Masters just a week earlier, where he battled his way to the title.

In the past, Alcaraz has spoken out on the length of the ATP Masters 1000 tournaments, claiming the prestigious two week-long events can be physically taxing. However, Panatta believes the reason for Alcaraz's physical struggles may be due to the Spaniard's unforgiving schedule.

"I read that the Spaniard complained that the Masters 1000 lasts two weeks, but let’s look carefully at his schedule," said the 1976 Roland Garros champion. "After Monte-Carlo, he went to Barcelona, then he will do Madrid, Rome, and Paris without interruption. Is it a problem of the calendar or a problem of the schedule because he plays all the time?”

Alcaraz is yet to confirm his withdrawal from the Madrid Open, although his team did announce he had sustained an adductor injury during the final against Rune in Barcelona. The Spaniard has a first round bye in Madrid, with his second round match set to take place on Friday.