Like many players on both the ATP and WTA tours, Carlos Alcaraz has criticised the packed tennis calendar this year.
The heavy schedule on both the men’s and women’s sides has come under scrutiny in recent months amid a large number of injuries and cited ‘burnouts’ occurring towards the end of the season.
Six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek called the schedule ‘crazy’, while British number one Jack Draper said changes must be made to protect player health, following Holger Rune’s Achilles injury at the Stockholm Open.
In September, Alcaraz complained about the schedule himself, claiming the ATP is ‘killing’ players, who will ultimately be forced into skipping tournaments in the future.
Now, after advancing to the semifinals at the ATP Finals, the Spaniard has called for more change in the tennis calendar.
Carlos Alcaraz discusses potential changes to the Davis Cup
After he concludes his season at the ATP Finals, Alcaraz is still set to make an appearance at the Davis Cup Finals next week, representing Spain in their tie against the Czech Republic.
In his post-match press conference after beating Lorenzo Musetti in Turin, he said: “If I am honest with you, I think the Davis Cup is one of those tournaments that you’re not used to and play because you’re playing for your country, you’re playing with your teammates.
“It’s totally different. I think it’s one of the most privileged things you can do in our sport, representing your country.”
The Davis Cup Finals are in an awkward position in the tennis calendar, placed right at the end of a long season, and Alcaraz said changes need to be made to the event.
He explained: “I agree that they have to do something in this event, because I think playing every year, I mean, it is not as good as it might be if you’re playing every two or three years.
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“I think if the tournament is played like every two years or every three years, the players, the commitment of the players, it’s going to be even more because it’s unique, it’s different. You’re not able to play every year.
“I’m playing this year. I really want to win the Davis Cup one day because for me it’s a really important tournament. Jannik has won it twice. I think Lorenzo once or twice, as well.
His rival, Jannik Sinner, withdrew from Italy’s Davis Cup fixture against Austria, with his coach, Darren Cahill, explaining he needs to rest and recover after a long season.
Musetti soon followed suit, confirming after his ATP Finals appearance that he will not feature at the Davis Cup Finals.
Alcaraz said of their withdrawals: “For me, I would say it’s normal for them because the season has been so long.
“They might keep it to have one more week to recover, to do vacation, to do pre-season, which is understandable. It’s normal. But I would say they have to do something about it to make the Davis Cup unique.”
Carlos Alcaraz’s record at the Davis Cup over the years
Alcaraz is making his third appearance at the Davis Cup, having played in the Spain team during the 2022 and 2024 seasons.
Spain made it to the quarterfinals in 2022, but ultimately lost to Croatia, though Alcaraz did not feature in their 2-0 defeat.
His country made the last eight again in 2024, but they fell to the Netherlands 2-1, in what marked Rafael Nadal‘s last professional event before retiring.
Now, Alcaraz will hope to finally lead Spain past the quarterfinals, with captain David Ferrer at the helm.
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