Carlos Alcaraz is among the ATP and WTA stars who feel the calendar is too long, but tennis and equality icon Billie Jean King does not sympathize with them.
The length of the schedule has been similar for many years. Players competing from January until November is not a new concept and feels normal to long-term fans of the sport.
However, in 2024, there have been an unprecedented number of complaints about the calendar, with several players feeling that changes are needed to reduce injuries and mental burnout.
Alcaraz has spoken about the issue on multiple occasions this year. The 21-year-old admitted he did not want to travel to some tournaments this season because of fatigue from the hectic schedule.
He discussed the topic again after losing at the ATP Finals to Alexander Zverev. Alcaraz said he misses spending more time at home with his friends and family due to the travel required throughout the year.
The Spaniard is among the world's most popular players, but that has not stopped some fans from accusing him of hypocrisy because Alcaraz entered the Laver Cup and the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia this season.
Taylor Fritz defended the young star after the backlash he received. This year's US Open runner-up argues that the intensity of exhibitions cannot be compared to ATP events when significant titles and ranking points are on the line.
Alcaraz will play another exhibition against Ben Shelton in December at Madison Square Garden, while the World Tennis League is another event during December that several players compete at before the new season.
King agrees with those who raise the point about exhibitions. The 12-time Grand Slam singles champion told the BBC that players would rest during December if their complaints were genuine and finds it hard to take them seriously.
"It's so interesting how they always complain it's too much. They've been doing this forever by the way - but then they get a month off and they go play exhibitions."
"I go really? You guys said you needed the rest. Don't tell me you think the season is too long. I know if there's enough money you go and you play. It's a really tough argument for me to listen to the players."
Although King does not sympathize with players she perceives as hypocritical, the American would like to see the tennis calendar adapted to make the rest of the season after the US Open a team event. She believes that the move would benefit fans.
"I think after the US Open, there should be a team competition. I would have a team season because I always think about the fans, I don't think about the players all the time, I think about the players and the fans. I want to grow the sport, in spectatorship as well as participation."
Although many players have become more vocal about the length of the tennis calendar, it does not seem like it will change anytime soon.
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