“Don’t Make Me Mad!” — Carlos Alcaraz Hit With Stern Warning From Tennis Analyst Over Crucial US Open Decision as Injury Concerns Cast Fresh Doubt Over His Grand Slam Plans
Carlos Alcaraz was recently handed a stern warning over his US Open decision by an ex-pro and analyst. As the Spaniard recovers from his wrist injury and gears up to compete at the year’s final Major, Batata Clerc had some strongly worded advice for the youngster.
After an incredible start to his 2026 season, Alcaraz injured his wrist during the Barcelona Open in April. While the 23-year-old was originally expected to return to action in a few weeks, he ended up missing his chance to defend his French Open title, before subsequently pulling out of the Wimbledon Championships.
Now, Carlos Alcaraz has skipped the beginning of the hard court season, but the World No.2 is still slated to compete at the US Open. As the Grand Slam draws closer, Batata Clerc recently warned the Spaniard not to participate in the event, saying on ESPN Tennis,
“Don’t play, Carlitos! Don’t play! Start in Asia like I told you. Don’t make me mad. Did you hear me?”
Clerc competed on the ATP Tour between 1977 and 1986, with the highlights of his career including two semifinals appearances at the French Open and a career-high ranking of World No.4 that he accomplished in 1981. Since retiring from tennis, the Argentinian has continued to stay involved in the sport as an analyst and he recently advised Alcaraz to kick off his comeback in Asia.
Legendary American coach hands his verdict on Carlos Alcaraz’s US Open comeback
As Carlos Alcaraz gears up to make his return from a four-month long injury layoff, legendary American coach Rick Macci, who worked with the likes of Serena Williams, Andy Roddick and Maria Sharapova, recently weighed in on his comeback.
Taking to X, Macci wrote,
“If the Spanish Magician plays the U.S. OPEN the last Grand Slam of the year’s tv ratings will be top tier. Coming off an injury and being the best on the planet will show his game and if his mind is still like granite. It is still 50/50 that he takes a bite of the BIG APPLE and wants to battle and GRAPPLE. Carlos will play when he feels ready to have fun but his overall comeback will take time to get to number one.@carlosalcaraz”
Carlos Alcaraz kicked off his 2026 season by winning his maiden Australian Open title to become the youngest men’s singles player to complete the Career Grand Slam. He followed this up with yet another title finish at the Qatar Open, before making it to the semifinals of Indian Wells and the finals of the Monte-Carlo Masters.
