Carlos Alcaraz Critiques Congested Tennis Calendar

Carlos Alcaraz has voiced concerns about the congested tennis calendar, stating, “they are going to kill us in some way.” The 21-year-old made these comments after defeating American Ben Shelton in the Laver Cup marking his 14th tournament of the year. Despite a successful season that featured wins at the French Open and Wimbledon as well as a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, Alcaraz encountered a setback at the US Open.

He suffered a surprising second-round exit, losing in straight sets to Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp. Alcaraz highlighted the toll the busy schedule takes on players, noting that many talented competitors miss tournaments due to injuries. “Right now, a lot of good players are going to miss a lot of tournaments because of that,” he explained. The Laver Cup held this year in Berlin, pits Team Europe against Team World.

Before the Laver Cup, Alcaraz had played 50 singles matches in 2024, winning 41 and losing nine. He admitted that the overwhelming number of tournaments can make it challenging to stay motivated. “Sometimes, you don’t want to go to a tournament,” he confessed. “I’m not going to lie—I have felt this way a few times already. Sometimes I don’t feel motivated at all.”

However, Carlos Alcaraz emphasized that he performs best when he enjoys the game and maintains a positive attitude. “I play my best tennis when I smile and enjoy it on court,” he said, acknowledging that finding joy in the sport is crucial for sustaining his motivation. As the tennis season continues, Alcaraz’s candid remarks resonate with many athletes grappling with similar challenges.