Carlos Alcaraz steps down from Davis Cup duty and 'takes break' from tennis

Carlos Alcaraz has reportedly decided to take a break from tennis this weekend and will not compete for Spain in their Davis Cup clash against Australia. Spain have already qualified for the finals, which take place in Malaga in November.

First place in Group B is at stake when Spain face Australia, but both nations have already progressed to the next stage of the tournament.

Therefore Alcaraz has been afforded a weekend off, with Roberto Bautista Agut, Pablo Carreno, Pedro Martinez and Rafa Jodar making up the squad, according to Marca.

Alcaraz turned out for his country on Friday, beating Frenchman Ugo Humbert 6-3, 6-3. Earlier in the day, Bautista Agut defeated Arthur Fils.

"It's a joy to be in the final phase. We take it as something obligatory. The whole team has been pushing all week," Alcaraz said.

"Being number one always makes you feel the pressure to do well for your country, especially after not having had good feelings in the last few matches.

"I have tried not to do the bad things that I did on the American tour. I had been training well, but training is one thing and competition is another."

He added: "There are times when I smile because I force myself to smile even if I don't feel like it. Sometimes it works and changes the dynamic, and other times it doesn't.

"At the US Open I forced myself to smile, but it didn't click. This week has helped me both mentally and tennis-wise, I've realized many things."

Alcaraz is due to return to action at the Davis Cup next weekend.