Carlos Alcaraz has openly criticized the grueling nature of the modern tennis calendar and announced that he intends to start skipping certain events in the future. The 22‑year‑old Spaniard, who made his comeback after a prolonged absence caused by a wrist injury sustained in April, returned to the court to defend his US Open title. In the aftermath of his second‑round victory over Jaime Faria, Alcaraz reflected on the toll that the current schedule takes on players and explained why he believes regular, extended breaks will become a necessary part of his routine.
Alcaraz pointed out that the sheer density of tournaments makes it virtually impossible for anyone to compete in every mandatory event without courting fatigue or injury. He cited the conspicuous absences of several top‑ranked competitors at Flushing Meadows as clear evidence that the calendar is too demanding.
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, Britain’s rising star Jack Draper, as well as Holger Rune, João Fonseca and a host of other high‑profile names were missing from the draw, underscoring a pattern that Alcaraz believes will only worsen if the tour does not intervene. "I took more time off than I wanted, to be honest," Alcaraz said after rallying from a set down to beat Faria. "But seeing how tight the calendar is, I don’t want to be forced into a break because of injury.
In the future I’m going to take some breaks—maybe a month, maybe two months—missing some tournaments, because it’s impossible to play them all." He went on to argue that the ATP has been adding more high‑profile events, effectively compelling players to choose between competing in a Masters 1000, a Grand Slam, or a series of smaller tournaments. "You can say ‘no’, you can keep one or two, but the reality is we’re being asked to play 40 weeks a year if we try to meet every mandatory requirement," Alcaraz explained.
"That’s unsustainable. We’re already seeing a wave of injuries and exhaustion, and if nothing changes we’ll see even more in the years ahead." Alcaraz’s comments echo a growing chorus of concern among players and commentators. Former doubles champion Jamie Murray, speaking to Sky Sports Tennis, expressed full understanding of the players’ perspective. "The tour is longer than it’s ever been in terms of commitment and days away from home," Murray said.
"These younger guys have watched legends like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal stretch their careers into their mid‑30s, and they realize that to do the same they’ll have to start skipping events. The tour needs to take that into account." The Spanish star’s remarks come at a time when the ATP is under pressure to rethink its schedule. Critics argue that the current model, which packs nearly 70 tournaments into a 12‑month period, leaves little room for recovery.
Players often travel across continents week after week, adjusting to different surfaces, climates and time zones. The cumulative stress can lead to overuse injuries—particularly to the wrist, shoulder, knee and back—areas that Alcaraz himself has struggled with.
In addition to physical wear and tear, the mental strain of constant competition is a factor. The need to defend ranking points week after week creates a relentless pressure cooker environment. Sports psychologists have warned that such conditions can contribute to burnout, anxiety and a decline in performance quality. By opting for strategic hiatuses, Alcaraz hopes to preserve both his body and his mental sharpness, ensuring he can remain competitive at the highest level for as long as possible.
Looking ahead, Alcaraz will face Chinese world No. 113 Wu Yibing in the third round on Friday, a match that will test his form after the recent injury layoff. Regardless of the outcome, his broader message remains clear: the sport must evolve to accommodate the well‑being of its athletes. Whether that means reducing the number of mandatory events, extending off‑season periods, or offering more flexible scheduling options, the conversation is now firmly on the table.
Fans and broadcasters have also taken note. The US Open continues to be streamed contract‑free on platforms such as NOW and the Sky Sports app, providing viewers with multiple ways to follow the action. Meanwhile, the Laver Cup will be held at The O2 in London from 25‑27 September, further highlighting the packed nature of the tennis summer calendar.
In summary, Carlos Alcaraz is signaling a shift in how elite players may approach their careers. By planning intentional, longer breaks—potentially one to two months at a time—he aims to protect his health and extend his tenure at the top of the game. His stance reflects a broader movement within tennis that calls for a more sustainable schedule, one that balances the demands of competition with the essential need for rest and recovery.