Showcase matches are designed to promote the sport and bring it to new audiences. Promoters desire the top players in the world to participate as it increases ticket sales.
In 2020, Roger Federer competed against Rafael Nadal in Cape Town before 51,954 spectators – a reported record, external for a tennis crowd at that moment, even though it was not an official competitive match.
Alcaraz – a talented, highly engaging shot-maker – participates in numerous exhibition events.
Earlier in the year, he competed against Americans Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe in New York and North Carolina, respectively.
Alcaraz and Tiafoe also participated in an event held in Puerto Rico, and they are scheduled to compete alongside Emma Raducanu and Amanda Anisimova in New Jersey in December.
The Spaniard has also voiced concerns about the pressure of the increasingly busy schedule, stating that in 2024, “they are going to exhaust us somehow.”
When questioned last year about playing in so many exhibition matches, Alcaraz mentioned: “I have noticed that many individuals are discussing my calendar because I have scheduled numerous exhibitions.”
“But it is important to differentiate between the official calendar and the exhibitions – they serve different purposes.”
Alcaraz’s coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, suggests, external that the style of play in exhibitions – which emphasizes entertainment over winning – aids his player in unwinding.
