Carlos Alcaraz calls for change on the ATP Tour as he’s spotted issue which is causing many players to get injured

Follow us on Google Discover

Carlos Alcaraz wants the ATP Tour to make a change that will prioritise the wellbeing of the players.

The Spaniard competes in many different tournaments throughout the season and therefore has to adjust to playing in different conditions.

Four-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz has previously criticised the schedule for being too congested and not giving players enough time to recover.

Now Alcaraz has taken aim at the ATP Tour once again and called for them to make a change that would help to stop players from sustaining injuries.

Carlos Alcaraz calls for a change on the ATP Tour at the Rotterdam Open

Carlos Alcaraz is currently competing at the Rotterdam Open, his first tournament since the Australian Open.

While speaking to reporters, the World number three was not afraid to speak his mind and criticised the number of ball changes and different types of conditions on tour, which is leaving players at greater risk of injury.

“I think last year there were many injuries, many players with elbow or shoulder issues. Something needs to change. I know they will change it,” Alcaraz said boldly.

“Every week, practically every week, we have different balls, different conditions, so it’s complicated to adapt to them. However, we are here to give our best and give the best of ourselves.

“I have not had physical problems because of it so far, I work every day to be in shape, right now I’m fine.”

What did Carlos Alcaraz say about the Rotterdam Open balls and conditions?

Sporting the same nose strip he wore at November’s ATP Finals, the 21-year-old edged the first set on a tiebreak against Botic Van de Zandschulp, but the Dutchman fought back.

The Spaniard was able to level the match by taking the second set, but this only fuelled Alcaraz to raise his game.

The World number three stormed through the deciding set and after two hours and 33 minutes, Alcaraz recorded a 7-6(3), 3-6, 6-1 win to begin his Rotterdam campaign.

Post-match Alcaraz spoke about his experiences adjusting to the conditions in Rotterdam, which has not been easy. “I had good training to adapt, but it was tough,” he said.

“New balls, everything seems to move very fast… and after two or three exchanges, the ball becomes very big and it’s a bit difficult to play aggressively with them. Still, I don’t want to complain about it; I feel that even so, you can show a good level of tennis.”