Carlos Alcaraz’s mental health becomes subject of controversy after comments from Italian federation official
ATPMonday, 10 August 2026 at 22:00
Carlos Alcaraz’s prolonged absence from the ATP Tour has prompted speculation about his physical condition and his chances of returning in time for the US Open. However, comments from Gianni Daniele, president of the Italian Tennis Federation’s medical commission, have taken the discussion in a different direction after he publicly raised the possibility that the Spaniard could be struggling with his mental health.
Daniele made the comments during a recent interview with La Repubblica, where he discussed the uncertainty surrounding Alcaraz’s right wrist injury. The Italian federation official suggested that the seven-time Grand Slam champion could be experiencing a loss of confidence and even depression, despite there being no public confirmation of such a diagnosis from Alcaraz or his team.
The remarks quickly attracted criticism on social media, particularly because mental health is a highly personal matter and Daniele's comments were not accompanied by any publicly available medical evidence concerning Alcaraz's psychological state.
Two Alcaraz-focused accounts specifically challenged the decision to discuss such possibilities publicly, with one questioning the responsibility of an official figure speaking about a sensitive subject.
Italian federation official raises mental health speculation
The controversy comes at a difficult moment for Alcaraz, who has not competed since suffering his wrist injury at the Barcelona Open in April. The Spaniard subsequently missed Roland Garros and Wimbledon, withdrew from Cincinnati and is now facing the possibility of entering the US Open without a competitive match for almost four months.
Alcaraz had been one of the dominant players of the opening months of the 2026 season, winning the Australian Open to complete the career Grand Slam and claim his seventh major title. His momentum was interrupted in Barcelona, however, when the wrist problem forced him out of the tournament and eventually ruled him out of the next two Grand Slams.
Carlos Alcaraz completes the Career Grand Slam after lifting the 2026 Australian Open trophy.
Speaking to La Repubblica, Daniele went beyond discussing the uncertainty surrounding the injury and suggested that Alcaraz could also be dealing with psychological difficulties.
“From Spain, it’s unclear what kind of injury Carlos sustained on his wrist. Now, speculation is mounting that he might be suffering from mental weakness: struggling to regain his former intensity, he’s apparently developed a kind of depression, a vicious cycle that’s preventing him from regaining his former confidence," the Italian official said. "Doubts are starting to take over, and it’s a shame, even for the number one, not to face an opponent of immense class.”
The comments did not establish that Alcaraz is experiencing depression or any other mental-health condition. There has been no public confirmation from the Spaniard or his representatives supporting that suggestion, leaving Daniele's remarks as speculation rather than a confirmed explanation for Alcaraz's absence.
That distinction became central to the reaction online, with fans criticizing the decision to publicly raise mental-health claims about a player whose medical situation remains largely undisclosed.
Alcaraz fan accounts criticize comments
One Alcaraz-focused account, “Alcaraz Archive,” criticized the way mental health had been brought into the discussion and argued that such matters should not be treated casually.
“It’s disappointing to see mental health being discussed so casually!! These are serious and deeply personal matters and people shouldn’t make assumptions about something so sensitive," the account posted on X. “Someone in an official position should be more responsible with their words.”
It’s disappointing to see mental health being discussed so casually!! these are serious and deeply personal matters and people shouldn’t make assumptions about something so sensitive.
— alcaraz archive (@alcarchive) August 10, 2026
Someone in an official position should be more responsible with their words. https://t.co/0Xxb11FHfz
Another Alcaraz fan account, “Alcaraz Updates,” went further in its criticism of the Italian federation official, accusing figures within the organization of making unsupported claims about the Spaniard. “Officials at the Italian tennis federation keep feeding lies about Alcaraz to major media unpunished. Now it's Gianni Daniele, president of the medical commission.”
The account also specifically condemned the discussion of mental health. “Disgraceful that someone in an official position spreads falsehoods about something as sensitive as mental health.”
Officials at the Italian tennis federation keep feeding lies about Alcaraz to major media unpunished. Now it's Gianni Daniele, president of the medical commission
— Alcaraz Updates🐝 (@alcarazzupdates) August 10, 2026
Disgraceful that someone in an official position spreads falsehoods about something as sensitive as mental health 😕 https://t.co/r8SxwbXA02 pic.twitter.com/8gCmK8xGEF
Alcaraz's immediate priority remains his physical recovery. His withdrawal from Cincinnati means he will not have the comeback tournament that had been expected to precede the US Open, leaving the defending champion without an official competitive appearance since April in Barcelona.
The timing is particularly significant because Alcaraz is defending 1,000 ranking points from his 2025 Cincinnati title. His absence therefore carries a direct ranking consequence, while his lack of match preparation also creates uncertainty over his level in New York.
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For now, the extent of Alcaraz's wrist recovery remains unclear publicly. The additional claims about his mental health have not been confirmed by the player or his camp, making the reaction to Daniele's comments part of the story rather than evidence of Alcaraz experiencing a mental-health problem.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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