Former Britain no.1 Greg Rusedski has urged Carlos Alcaraz to be smarter in managing his workload in order to savor more success on the tour. Alcaraz recently returned to action at the US Open after recuperating from a wrist injury, which kept him out of action for almost four months.

The Spaniard was able to hit the ground running despite being on the sidelines for a long time. He was able to qualify for the quarterfinals but his run was put paid by local favorite Ben Shelton in a thrilling five-set contest.

Rusedski has asked Alcaraz to not play a lot of exhibition matches and keep himself fresh ahead of the next season.

“I think health is your wealth and you’ve got to prioritise what is important for you,” said Rusedski on his podcast. “Is it trying to get the most majors? Is it trying to get the most titles? Is it being year-end number one? And that’s where you’ve got to sit down with the team and figure those things out and I think they’ll get there.

“I don’t think Carlos is going to make the same mistake twice. And I think Sinner so far has managed his career picture perfect to date with a little bad luck on the knees at the moment, because I think that was the slip at Wimbledon in the opening round. But he’s not going to let us know.”

Rusedski continued, “Australian Open, there was a big story when he [Alcaraz] split with Juan Carlos Ferrero and then he wins the Australian Open for the first time. But he played so much during the off-season leading in as well.

“I think that’s where he’s got to be a little bit more ruthless. Less exhibitions, little time, have a little break, get your time away from the game and then get your training right.”

Alcaraz is already a seven-time Grand Slam champion and he would look to defend his title in Australia.