Boris Becker Says He Gave Carlos Alcaraz A Serious Warning At Laureus Awards

Tennis legend Boris Becker has expressed deep concern over the physical and emotional toll being placed on Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz, urging those around the young player to reconsider the immense demands being placed upon him at just 21 years of age.

Speaking candidly about Alcaraz’s recent struggles, with retired German WTA star Andrea Petkovic, Becker revealed that the world No. 3 had contemplated taking an extended break from the sport following his defeat in Miami. Emotionally and physically drained, Alcaraz reportedly reached a point of questioning whether he could continue. “We’re talking about a 21-year-old who couldn’t cope with the expectations and the pressure anymore,” Becker remarked. “We’re talking about mental health.”

Becker encouraged fans and observers to watch the new Netflix series on Alcaraz, highlighting how the documentary captures the athlete’s likable, down-to-earth personality.
“Someone like that almost reached the point of depression,” he said, adding that it should serve as a wake-up call for the people guiding Alcaraz’s career.
“So those around him have to ask themselves-haven’t we done something wrong? Demanding too much of such a young player? He almost has to act like a machine… at 21 it’s hard to say no,” added Becker.

Becker said, Alcaraz, following his Miami exit, took a brief but necessary vacation with his family, reflecting on whether to continue or step away. Ultimately, he chose to return, slowly regaining his spirit. He trained in Spain, returned to Monte Carlo—where he won the title—and then with not even a day’s rest, immediately travelled to Barcelona, where he narrowly lost to Holger Rune and sustained a thigh injury.

Becker emphasized that the cycle of constant competition, promotional obligations, and exhibition matches is unsustainable. “We have to protect Carlos from himself,” he urged. “But the point is that you can see that he’s overexerting himself, he does too much and I really hope that whether it’s his coach or his manager or his father, they need to(communicate), because we still need him in ten years. He’s the most spectacular player on the tour right now, he gets the most spectators in, has the largest fanbase, but he can’t play every week”, said Becker.

Sharing a personal moment from the Laureus Awards, Becker recalled telling Alcaraz, “This isn’t a sprint, your life is a marathon.” To which Alcaraz smiled and responded, “You’re right. Talk to my people.”
Becker’s worry is rooted in experience. “I was also in that phase when I was 21-22 , when you’re not doing it from your heart, you’re running from one commitment to the next, and the contracts are very high paying, and the tournaments have signed contracts, which means you are contractually bound and only an injury can save you, but that is not how it should be, which is why I was worried for him(Alcaraz). I hope he will be fit again in time to defend his title at Roland Garros,” added the German.

Boris Becker con la moglie al Laureus World Sports Awards – Parigi
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— LEONARDO (@Leonard40959202) May 8, 2023

As Alcaraz aims to recover in time to defend his Roland Garros title, Becker’s plea serves as a reminder that even tennis prodigies need space to breathe, rest, and grow—on their own terms.