Carlos Alcaraz's name has been mentioned quite often recently, but not for the reasons he would be happy for.
The Spaniard is one of the best players on the ATP Tour, and as such, he wants to make his voice heard. Throughout the 2024 season, Alcaraz complained about the busy schedule a few times, becoming one of the leading voices when it comes to this issue.
However, many accused the 21-year-old Spaniard of not being able to back up his words by his actions. While Alcaraz is the World No. 3 player on the ATP Tour, he would likely be ranked No. 1 if there was a ranking for playing exhibitions.
The Spanish player took part in seemingly every exhibition tournament possible in the past 12 months. He competed at the Laver Cup and then the Six Kings Slam, and he also played exhibitions in Madison Square Garden and Charlotte.
On top of that, he now signed up for yet another exhibition in Puerto Rico. Although he is the most electric player to watch at the moment, playing so many exhibitions might cost him in the long run.
Many former players advised Alcaraz not to play so many exhibitions, but after signing up for the latest exhibition in Puerto Rico, it seems that the Spaniard doesn't plan to change his approach.
This approach also doesn't seem to bother former ATP World No. 1 Mats Wilander, who thinks that playing an occasional exhibition event is not bad at all.
The former Swedish player talked to Eurosport, explaining that, according to him, exhibitions that take multiple days are problematic and not one-day events that Alcaraz mostly participates in.
"I think it’s very positive that Carlos Alcaraz plays certain exhibitions. I’m not a big fan when you’re going to play an exhibition tournament where you have to play four or five matches or even three or four."
"But when you go to massive stadiums like Madison Square Garden, it’s okay, and it’s just one match. We’re not talking about preparing four or five days before and then playing three or four matches."
According to Wilander, there is a difference between an exhibition that takes up a longer time and possibly also exerts energy from the player compared to those that Alcaraz took part in.
Wilander thinks that playing in Madison Square Garden is a great experience that everyone would want to participate in, which is why he thinks that Alcaraz did the right thing by playing these exhibitions.
"So the whole discussion about the schedule being too tough and too many matches having been played, I think sometimes you have to separate the exhibitions from the exhibitions."
"And an exhibition like going to Madison Square Garden, the experience in New York City in the fall and winter, I mean, it’s a big inspiration for any artist or athlete. So I think he’s done the right thing."
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