Alcaraz, Sabalenka into US Open last 16 as Williams sisters lose on return

Defending U.S. Open champion Carlos Alcaraz is contemplating taking additional breaks during the upcoming tennis season. After being sidelined by a wrist injury since April, Alcaraz returned to action at the U.S. Open and advanced to the fourth round with an impressive 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 win over Wu Yibing. He expressed that his body feels in top form, recovering well after each match.

Alcaraz attributes his good condition to not having played excessively, suggesting that taking time off next year would be more for mental health benefits rather than physical reasons. He prefers to have "mentally healthy" periods to prepare for tournaments and stated he doesn't require numerous matches to perform at his best. Alcaraz's recent wardrobe change, including a white shirt underneath his sleeveless one, was motivated by self-consciousness over his nipple being exposed too frequently during matches.

He also revealed he chose a new celebration, mimicking shooting an arrow, after his brothers suggested either that or dancing. Alcaraz, who played 80 matches last year and won his first major title at the Australian Open, expressed concern about the grueling tennis calendar. Unlike many players, he doesn't face financial or ranking pressures, but he plans to take breaks to ensure he's well-prepared for Grand Slams and Masters 1000s tournaments.

The 23-year-old believes longer breaks would not only make him physically healthier but also happier, as he feels the current long season and frequent tournaments detract from his enjoyment of the game.