The top-ranked tennis player, Carlos Alcaraz, voices that there’s a lack of understanding regarding players’ choices to participate in exhibition matches, alongside the already packed tennis schedule.
Alcaraz, at 22 years of age, was among the critics regarding the intense schedule in Asia, which led to physical difficulties for some athletes, prompting the Spaniard to consider missing certain required events to prioritize his well-being.
He is currently the top seed at the highly profitable Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia, a competition featuring six players from October 15th to 18th. This also includes Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
It has been reported that the exhibition tournament offers a prize pool of $4.5 million (£3.4 million), and some players are also likely to have received seven-figure appearance fees.
Sources suggest that the champion could potentially earn up to $6 million (£4.5 million).
Alcaraz believes that events with shorter formats, such as the Six Kings Slam, are less strenuous than regular tour tournaments and do not place as many demands on the players.
He stated: “Many players are discussing the calendar, its tightness with numerous tournaments, including two-week-long events, and then making excuses related to exhibition matches.”
“Exhibition matches have a different format and situation compared to official tournaments that span 15 or 16 consecutive days, requiring a high level of focus and physical exertion.”
“We are simply having fun for a day or two while playing some tennis, which is great and the reason why we choose these exhibitions.”
“I can understand the criticism, but sometimes people do not comprehend our perspectives. It is not as mentally demanding when compared to long events that last two or two and a half weeks.”
Alcaraz secured his eighth title of the season in Tokyo during the previous month, despite an ankle injury sustained during his opening match. This injury led to his withdrawal from the Shanghai Masters.
He will compete in Saudi Arabia despite the injury not being fully healed. “Everything is fine,” said Alcaraz. “I have been working on the ankle recovery as much as possible.”
“I do not feel at 100% – doubts arise when moving on the court, but it has significantly improved, and I intend to compete and perform well in the Six Kings Slam.”
Alcaraz has a direct path to the semi-finals of the event, which will be broadcast on Netflix, where he will face Fritz on Thursday. This follows the American’s 6-3, 6-4 victory against Zverev.
During Wednesday’s other quarter-final, Sinner, currently ranked number two globally, defeated Tsitsipas 6-2, 6-3 and will compete against Djokovic in the semi-finals.
