Carlos Alcaraz has added his voice to the growing concern over the current tennis calendar, echoing the sentiments of fellow professionals Aryna Sabalenka, Jack Draper, and Iga Swiatek. Recently, the ATP and WTA tours have faced criticism due to a surge in player injuries attributed to an overwhelming number of matches and tournaments. As the pressure intensifies on tour officials, both Alcaraz and Sabalenka, the respective world No. 1, believe the sport demands a reconsideration of its schedule.
Carlos Alcaraz’s Call for Change
Currently preparing for the Paris Masters, Alcaraz stated that the volume of tournaments is excessive. He expressed his concerns during a pre-tournament press conference, emphasizing the need for a revised calendar. “I don’t have an exact number of matches we should play, but the current schedule needs adjustment,” he remarked.
He highlighted several issues, stating that players lack sufficient time for practice and recovery. “Week after week, there’s no chance to prepare properly for upcoming tournaments. We need more time to rest,” he added. Alcaraz’s comments reflect consistent concerns voiced by his peers, including Jack Draper and Taylor Fritz.
Aryna Sabalenka’s Perspective
Aryna Sabalenka described the existing WTA schedule as “crazy,” pressing for intervention from tennis governing bodies to safeguard player health. “The scheduling is tough to handle,” she noted, stressing the physical and mental strain placed on players competing at high levels.
Sabalenka revealed that she struggled with injuries due to the tight scheduling. Reflecting on her experience, she mentioned the repercussions of not having adequate recovery time. “Last year, I had to withdraw from Wimbledon due to a shoulder injury. This was unprecedented for me,” she said, attributing her condition to the relentless nature of the tournament calendar.
Conclusion
The calls for a restructuring of the tennis calendar come amid increasing awareness of player welfare. Alcaraz and Sabalenka, among others, urge for a significant review of tournament scheduling to foster a healthier, more sustainable environment in the sport.
- Carlos Alcaraz joins calls for a revised tennis calendar.
- Concerns raised about player health and injury risk due to excessive matches.
- Aryna Sabalenka labels WTA scheduling as “crazy.”
- Professional players advocate for better recovery time and fewer tournaments.
