“Probably they’re gonna kill us in some way.” Last year, during his Laver Cup appearance, Carlos Alcaraz had a dry joke targeting the congested tournament calendar after multiple fatigue and injury reports. However, despite the clear dislike towards the scheduling, nothing much has changed this year. It has barely been two weeks since the 2x Wimbledon champ gave up his throne to Jannik Sinner at the Centre Court, breaking his 24-game win streak. But the game moves on. And now, the tennis world is entering the hard court season with the National Bank Open set for July 25. Already, Novak Djokovic and Sinner have given their attendance report.

During the SW19, Djokovic had a “nasty” split during the QFs against Flavio Cobolli that left him limping through the SFs against Sinner. The Italian too had his fair share of accidental moments on the slick grass court. The worst one came in the first game of the fourth-round match against Grigor Dimitrov. Then, he landed on his extended right arm in a try for a deep backhand. While Sinner too dusted it off and eventually handed the 2-time reigning Wimbledon champion and the grass court king a defeat, the ghost of injuries returned for both Djokovic and Sinner.

Yesterday, the organizers broke the news that Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, and Jack Draper have withdrawn from the National Bank Open. Draper will also be missing the Cincinnati warm-up event before the year’s final major after he too suffered an arm injury during the SW19. Although he did confirm that the injury is “Nothing serious. I have to make sure it recovers fully for the rest of the season.” Turns out, Alcaraz is also opting to catch some rest.

Sky Sports’ Giovanni Pelazzo tweeted the update via Spanish publication Marca, noting Carlos Alcaraz will be amongst the list of players that will not appear in Toronto due to fatigue.

While the tournament officials are yet to confirm and put an official statement. But according to Marca, Alcaraz was honest when he would prioritize his body to avoid fatigue and be ready for the US Open at the end of August. However, this isn’t his first withdrawal of the season.

Earlier this season, Carlos Alcaraz delivered a stunning performance at Barcelona. However, Alcaraz sustained an abductor injury during his match against Holger Rune in the final. This led to him stepping out of the Madrid Open in hopes of recovering in time for Roland Garros. This seemed to work in his favor as he ultimately lifted the Coupe des Mousquetaires for the second time.

While the challenge is still looming over the Spaniard, Carlos has opened up about how he tries to balance tennis and his personal life. Either through vacations in Ibiza or back home with his family. Last year, he was honest about the effect competing back-to-back had on him.

Carlos Alcaraz opens up about being mentally tired

At the ATP Finals in Turin, Alcaraz’s run was stalled by Alexander Zverev, who sent the Spaniard packing in straight sets. Speaking candidly afterward, Alcaraz didn’t hold back about how the grind had worn him down. The crowded tour calendar and time away from familiar faces weighed heavy. “Mentally, I am tired. It’s many matches in a very tight schedule, in a demanding year with not too many resting days,” he admitted—laying it all bare after his tough loss.

That North American hardcourt swing really knocked the wind out of him. Alcaraz grappled with exhaustion and disappointment, still feeling the sting from his Olympic gold-medal match loss to Novak Djokovic. Chasing his best tennis while dealing with medical scares and breathing woes, he just couldn’t get rolling in Turin.

Facing reporters, he tried to stay upbeat, striving to be “mentally fresh” and savor the “privilege” of playing at the top, but constant globetrotting isn’t all glitz and glamour. He noted, “It is not easy, at least for me, traveling a lot in this part of the year. I miss home. I want to spend time with my close people at home. I have to travel. I have to play more tournaments, more matches.”

Maybe, just maybe, 2025 is showing him the value of pulling back just enough to recharge. Despite not going the distance at the Australian Open, Wimbledon, or Miami, Alcaraz kept turning in quality efforts—making it to the semis or quarters and racking up five titles already this season. That’s the mark of a champ learning to pace himself without losing his edge.

Next up would be Cincinnati. All eyes will be on Carlos Alcaraz to see if he emerges even stronger, using what he’s learned to bring fresh fire to the hardcourt swing. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!