World No 3 Carlos Alcaraz has criticized the current tennis calendar, arguing that the relentless schedule is heading in the wrong direction and placing excessive demands on athletes. His comments came just days after he successfully defended his title at the Japan Open, securing his third trophy of a season significantly disrupted by a wrist injury that sidelined him for four and a half months between April and August.
The Spanish star’s remarks follow the announcement by world No 1 Jannik Sinner, who revealed this week that he is ending his 2026 campaign early due to a knee problem. Sinner has not competed since winning the Wimbledon final against Alexander Zverev in July.
Speaking ahead of his Shanghai Masters opener on Saturday, Alcaraz highlighted the growing concern over player welfare. “One of the reasons we are seeing players get injured is because they [ATP officials] are pushing us too much, sometimes beyond the line, to play a high volume of tournaments and matches,” Alcaraz said. “It’s going in the wrong direction.”
While expressing frustration with the tour structure, Alcaraz extended his well wishes to Sinner, hoping the Italian recovers fully for next season. “Hopefully, we will see him soon, but they need to take into account what is happening on the tour along with the players,” he added. Sky Sports has reached out to the ATP for a response.
Novak Djokovic, who captured his 102nd career title at the China Open on Tuesday, also weighed in on Sinner’s decision. Describing Sinner as the best player in the world over the past couple of years alongside Alcaraz, Djokovic supported the choice to prioritize long-term health.
“He has to think long term,” Djokovic said. “That’s smart. As someone who always kept the big picture in mind, I really support that kind of thinking and mindset. It is important to give yourself more years in your career so you have more opportunities to achieve your objectives.”
Djokovic noted that returning from a long absence is particularly challenging for knee injuries, which affect every movement on court. He warned that players returning from injury must constantly evaluate their physical state, adding that once cleared to compete, the battle becomes mental as they question whether they are truly healed and free to make a deep run.
Djokovic supporting Sinner is nice, but hasn’t he always said ‘play all the tournaments’ too? Just saying.
The ATP needs to reduce the mandatory events. Four and a half months out on a wrist is insane for a top three player.
Wait, Sinner hasn’t played since Wimbledon? I thought he was competing recently. Time flies when you’re following the tour.
Alcaraz is speaking truth but he’s still playing through pain. Hypocrite much or just brave?
Sinner made the smart choice. Knee injuries linger forever if you rush back. Good for him to listen to his body.