A guest on the podcast of Serena Williams' former coach, Rennae Stubbs, shared Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton's reported earnings from their recent exhibitions based on sources she spoke to.
Alcaraz played in two exhibitions in the United States this month. That was an excellent experience for the fans who attended, but the Spaniard competing in exhibitions during the off-season will raise eyebrows, considering some of his comments this year.
The 21-year-old repeatedly criticized the length of the tennis schedule this season, questioning whether the ATP is trying to "kill" the players and admitting he did not want to travel to some tournaments because he felt burnt out.
Other players, such as Iga Swiatek, Alexander Zverev, and Taylor Fritz, also argued that the season is too long and has a detrimental impact on the players regarding injuries and not allowing them to rest appropriately.
However, tennis and equality hero Billie Jean King does not sympathize with Alcaraz and others who complain. The American stated that the calendar has been similar for years, and players should play fewer exhibitions during the off-season if they want to rest.
Jean King might feel vindicated after Alcaraz traveled to the USA for exhibitions despite repeatedly calling the calendar too long. The four-time Grand Slam champion also played at the Six King Slams exhibition in October.
ATP president Andrea Gaudenzi struck a similar tone to Jean King in recent comments. He reminded fans that players are independent contractors and could choose to compete in fewer exhibitions if they wanted to.
Fritz, this year's US Open and ATP Finals runner-up, defended Alcaraz, arguing that the physical and mental strain of playing in exhibitions should not be compared to ATP events and Grand Slams.
Alcaraz probably played in the exhibitions this month against Shelton at Madison Square Garden and Frances Tiafoe in Charlottesville because of the financial incentives. The Spaniard admitted he signed up for the Six Kings Slam because of the money on offer.
Speaking on the Rennae Stubbs Podcast, Caitlin Thompson, founder of the tennis magazine "Racquet," revealed Alcaraz and Shelton's estimated earnings from their exhibition, as well as Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro's, who played at Madison Square Garden before the pair.
"The rumour is that it is between $1 and $2 million, guaranteed, (for Alcaraz) I have heard as much as $2 million. I heard Jess and Emma got $100,000 and Ben got anywhere between $200,000 to $500,000. I have heard from a couple of different sources."
That is a staggering figure for Alcaraz. Although Shelton, Pegula, and Navarro are great players fans undoubtedly enjoyed watching, the Spaniard being paid so much more (if true) shows his unique attraction.
Alcaraz recovered from losing the opening set to overcome Shelton at Madison Square Garden but lost to an inspired Tiafoe in Charlotte. He can now focus on preparing for the 2025 season.
Despite Alcaraz's popularity, Jannik Sinner won the 2024 ATP Fans' Favorite Award. That shows the number of fans worldwide who do not blame the Italian for what happened in his high-profile doping case.
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