Alcaraz on the hectic tour schedule: “They are going to kill us”

Carlos Alcaraz was clear in his Laver Cup press conference that the tennis schedule is too busy

Zuma/Panoramic

September 21, 2024

Carlos Alcaraz looked in supreme form against Ben Shelton on Saturday at the Laver Cup, winning in straight sets (6-4, 6-4). However, he made clear after the victory that the tour’s schedule is so busy that it may be harming the players and this was a topic that he is passionate about.

As of the Laver Cup, the four-time major time champion has played 13 professional events this season – having withdrawn from four additional events. Whilst the majority of the biggest events have already been played, the last third of the season looks like it will be a busy one.

Post-US Open, Alcaraz has played/will play:

Davis Cup
Laver Cup (ongoing)
Beijing
Shanghai
Saudi Arabia ‘Six Kings’ exhibition
Paris-Bercy
Nitto ATP Finals
Davis Cup Finals

So, I mean, probably they are going to kill us in some way (smiling)
Alcaraz on the calendar

Speaking to reporters on the second day of the Laver Cup, Alcaraz stated:

“Well, honestly, there are a lot of really good players on tour, and obviously each player has their own feeling. So a lot of players wants to play more or even more. A lot of players feel like, okay, it is a good calendar. And a lot of players says that it’s really tight and a lot of tournaments during the whole year. I’m the kind of player who think there is a lot of tournaments during the year, mandatory tournament, and probably during the next few years gonna be even more tournaments, more mandatory tournaments. So, I mean, probably they are going to kill us in some way (smiling).”

“Right now they are showing up a lot of injuries because of the ball, because of the calendar, because a lot of things. So probably at some point a lot of good players are going to miss a lot of tournaments because of that, because they have to think about their bodies, they have to take care about their love. I mean, they have family, they have a lot of other stuff in life than tennis. So they have to take care about it, as well. So it’s getting too much, I guess.”