Carlos Alcaraz has been warned that ‘people will come down on him’ should he lose early at the Australian Open – following a busy off-season.

World No 3 Alcaraz played his last official match of 2024 at the Davis Cup, beating Tallon Griekspoor in singles action before tasting defeat in a decisive doubles rubber.

However, that was not the last time Alcaraz was seen on court this year.

The 21-year-old went to New York at the beginning of December to face Ben Shelton at Madison Square Gardens, before facing Frances Tiafoe in an exhibition match in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Having also played the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Riyadh this October, the four-time major winner has attracted criticism for playing exhibitions despite his existing complaints about the ATP schedule.

And, speaking on the Nothing Major podcast, former world No 8 Isner suggested Alcaraz could be criticised further if he were to lose early in Australia.

He said: “None of us blame Carlos for going over there and picking up two huge cheques, but Sinner seems to be laying low after his fantastic year, going back to work and keeping a low profile.

“I think they’ll both be ready for Australia, but if Carlos doesn’t have a good performance at the Australian Open, a lot of people are going to come down on him because he was in the States in December playing exhibition matches instead of preparing.

“I don’t think that’s fair, but that’s the way it’s going to be.”

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Isner’s comments echo those of former world No 1 Andy Roddick, who revealed he did not “want to hear about” the 21-year-old potentially being tired following a busy off-season.

“Carlos, let’s say it how it is,” added Roddick, on his podcast.

“He finished on December 6 [after the exhibitions]. He had a vacation in the Caribbean with some buddies for a week before he played these exhibitions. He’d already done his relaxation, got in some reps, and obviously got paid a lot of money.

“What other time would we tell somebody not to do their job for a massive paycheck? We’re adults; it’s a business.

“What I don’t accept is, ‘Hey, I didn’t have a long enough off-season.’ I don’t want to hear about it in Australia if he’s not feeling great. That’s it. I don’t want to hear about it.”

Alcaraz is not set to play an official tour-level event before the Australian Open, which begins on January 12th 2025.

Having won two Wimbledon titles, a US Open title, and a French Open title, the Spaniard is looking to become just the sixth man in the Open Era to complete the Career Grand Slam in singles.

The world No 3 has only played the tournament three times previously, with his best result being a run to the quarter-final in 2024.

Alcaraz is set to be the third seed in Melbourne, behind Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev.

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