Carlos Alcaraz Skips South American Clay Swing – Is Injury Fear Behind His Bold Decision to Play Rotterdam?

Carlos Alcaraz, one of the brightest young stars in men’s tennis, has raised eyebrows with his decision to forego the traditional South American clay-court swing in favor of competing on indoor hard courts in Rotterdam. While some critics view it as a sign of caution, American ex-pros Steve Johnson and John Isner believe there may be deeper reasons behind the move.

The Spaniard, who is now just one win away from claiming his maiden indoor title, is no stranger to injury setbacks. Last season, Alcaraz suffered an unfortunate ankle injury while competing in South America, which may have left what Johnson describes as “mental scar tissue.”

“Maybe That’s on His Mind” – Steve Johnson on Alcaraz’s Injury Concerns

Alcaraz’s decision to compete in the ATP 500 event in Rotterdam instead of the Argentina Open and Rio Open has reignited discussions about the physical toll tennis takes on players. Speaking on the Nothing Major Podcast, former ATP player Steve Johnson shared his perspective on Alcaraz’s scheduling decisions.

“He can be better on one surface like most of us would pick in that scenario! He can win any tournament, any surface, any country, name it, but maybe he has a little mental scar tissue. He did roll his ankle down in the South of the golden swing last year. Maybe that’s on his mind. He doesn’t wanna get hurt again, which is, I would say, a silly reason not to go, but for him, it just doesn’t matter! He has picked his schedule a year ago,” said Johnson.

Johnson’s comments suggest that Alcaraz may still be wary of repeating past mistakes. The 21-year-old has already battled multiple injuries in his young career, including a leg injury that kept him out of the 2023 Australian Open. His cautious approach to tournament selection could be an effort to prolong his career and avoid further setbacks.

John Isner Shuts Down Claims of Surface Preference

While some have speculated that Alcaraz’s choice indicates a preference for hard courts over clay, former world No. 8 John Isner dismissed the notion, arguing that the young Spaniard is equally dangerous on all surfaces.

“He can play on all surfaces. But I don’t think he’s better on clay than he is on indoor hard. I think you’re splitting hairs if you would say one surface is better than the others,” Isner said.

This statement aligns with Alcaraz’s impressive record—he has already won major titles on both clay and hard courts, including his historic 2022 US Open triumph. His decision to play in Rotterdam, followed by the Qatar Open, may simply be a strategic move rather than an admission of weakness on clay.

Alcaraz Speaks Out on Player Welfare and Ball Controversy

Beyond his scheduling choices, Alcaraz has also voiced concerns about the physical toll that constantly changing playing conditions have on athletes. Following his opening-round victory over Botic van de Zandschulp in Rotterdam, he highlighted the growing issue of injuries caused by inconsistent equipment.

“I think there were a lot of injuries last year, a lot of players with elbow or shoulder injuries. They need to change something. I know they’re going to change it. Every week, practically every week, we have different balls, different conditions, so it’s difficult to adapt to it,” said Alcaraz.

While acknowledging these challenges, Alcaraz reassured fans that he remains in top physical condition.

“I have not had physical problems because of it so far. I work every day to be in shape. Right now, I’m fine,” he added.

A Strategic Shift: Alcaraz’s Big Picture Approach

Alcaraz’s decision to focus on indoor hard courts could also be a long-term play to diversify his dominance across surfaces. While he has already proven himself on clay and outdoor hard courts, the indoor season has been relatively uncharted territory for the Spaniard. A title in Rotterdam would not only add another accolade to his growing résumé but also reinforce his ability to thrive in fast-paced conditions ahead of the indoor-heavy fall season.

Moreover, by avoiding the grueling South American swing, Alcaraz may be looking to preserve his energy for the upcoming ATP Masters 1000 tournaments and Grand Slams. With a jam-packed schedule that includes Indian Wells, Miami, and ultimately the French Open, skipping a physically demanding clay-court stretch could be a wise decision.

With his focus now locked on the Rotterdam Open final, Carlos Alcaraz is just one step away from claiming his first-ever indoor hard-court title. Standing in his way is Australian Alex De Minaur, a tenacious baseliner known for his speed and defensive prowess.

A win in Rotterdam would send a strong message to the rest of the ATP Tour—Alcaraz isn’t just a force on outdoor surfaces, but a true all-court contender. It would also serve as the perfect confidence booster ahead of his next challenge in Doha.

With all eyes on him, Alcaraz has a chance to silence any remaining doubts about his adaptability and put an exclamation mark on his bold scheduling choice. Whether this decision was fueled by caution, strategy, or a mix of both, one thing is certain—Carlos Alcaraz is making calculated moves to ensure his longevity at the top of men’s tennis.