Carlos Alcaraz has made a career out of thrilling tennis fans with his explosive shot-making, fearless mindset, and unrelenting energy on court. But after his latest triumph at the Japan Open, the Spaniard made sure to share the spotlight with someone who rarely gets noticed: his physio.
Following a demanding match in Tokyo, the 22-year-old two-time Grand Slam champion didn’t talk only about his strokes or tactics. Instead, he used his post-match press conference to highlight the importance of his support staff, singling out his physio as “the best in the world.”
“I always say that without my team, I wouldn’t be here. My physio is the best in the world, and I really mean that,” Alcaraz said. “He keeps me fresh, even when the schedule is brutal. The recovery, the treatments, the little details they make all the difference.”
A demanding schedule
Alcaraz’s comments come at a time when the physical demands of professional tennis are higher than ever. The ATP Tour calendar runs nearly year-round, with players crisscrossing the globe and competing on multiple surfaces. For a player like Alcaraz, who consistently reaches the latter stages of tournaments, the workload on both body and mind is immense.
This year alone, the Spaniard has juggled deep runs at the Grand Slams with Masters 1000 tournaments and international exhibitions. He has played through grueling five-setters, quick turnarounds, and varying conditions. Staying sharp in such circumstances requires more than natural fitness; it demands meticulous preparation and recovery routines.
That is where his physio plays a central role handling everything from massage therapy to injury prevention strategies, recovery sessions, and ensuring that Alcaraz’s explosive style does not lead to long-term wear and tear.
Following in the footsteps of legends
Alcaraz’s gratitude echoes what tennis fans have heard from the legends of the sport. Rafael Nadal often credited his medical team for keeping his career alive through persistent injuries. Novak Djokovic has spoken at length about the importance of his fitness and recovery staff in allowing him to dominate well into his mid-30s. Roger Federer, too, relied heavily on his physio to extend his career.
Alcaraz, often seen as the torchbearer of the next generation, appears to be embracing the same model. He understands that success in modern tennis is no longer just about having the best forehand or mental strength it is also about durability.
By acknowledging his physio publicly, Alcaraz not only expressed personal gratitude but also highlighted how much of tennis happens behind the scenes. Fans may only see the fireworks on court, but the real preparation begins in the training rooms, recovery centers, and gyms.
A partnership built on trust
For Alcaraz, having a physio he trusts completely is vital. Tennis is an individual sport, but at the elite level, it requires a tight-knit team. The relationship between a player and their physio often goes beyond the professional it’s about trust, honesty, and constant communication.
When Alcaraz refers to his physio as the best in the world, it’s not only about skill but also about the bond they share. That bond allows the Spaniard to step on court with the confidence that his body is ready to perform, even after a punishing schedule.
Looking ahead
With the season heading into its final stretch, Alcaraz still has his eyes on major goals, including the year-end No. 1 ranking. Every match, every tournament, and every recovery session will count. He knows that staying injury-free could be the difference between finishing the season on top or missing out on key opportunities.
“There are many tournaments left, and the body has to hold up,” Alcaraz said. “That’s why I trust my physio and my team 100 percent. They’re the reason I can go out there and give everything.”
For now, Alcaraz continues to dazzle fans with his unique brand of tennis equal parts power, creativity, and resilience. But his latest comments are a reminder that no champion truly succeeds alone. Behind every great player is a team that works tirelessly, and in Alcaraz’s case, a physio he considers the very best in the world.
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