Carlos Alcaraz's Coach Defends His Decision To Play Another Exhibition Amid Backlash
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Carlos Alcaraz's preparations for the 2025 Indian Wells Open will differ from previous years after he committed to playing at an exhibition event in Puerto Rico, but his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, has defended that decision.
Alcaraz is set to feature alongside Frances Tiafoe in Puerto Rico on March 2nd. The duo also played an exhibition together in Charlotte during the off-season. Tiafoe won that match after producing some inspired tennis.
Although it will be a terrific occasion for the fans in Puerto Rico who have tickets, some might question why Alcaraz is playing an exhibition just a few days before the 2025 Indian Wells Open main draw starts.
The Spaniard also played an exhibition with Ben Shelton in December, a few days before his one with Frances Tiafoe in Charlotte. That means the event in Puerto Rico will be his third exhibition in less than three months.
However, Ferrero does not think that is an issue. He told El Nuevo Dia that the atmosphere in an exhibition allows players to relax, which can help Alcaraz before focusing on the intensity needed to win the Indian Wells Open.
"Exhibitions help to relax a little; the game is played in a different way. In the end, it’s played at a very high level of intensity, and playing this kind of match, with a bit more smiling and entertainment for the spectators, always helps to relax a bit."
Alcaraz's comments about the ATP schedule are the most significant reason some might raise eyebrows at his consistently playing exhibitions. The 21-year-old has repeatedly said the intensity of the calendar is challenging to manage and that he wishes he had more time at home.
Despite having a chance not to travel and spend time with his family during the off season, Alcaraz chose to go to the U.S. for the exhibitions with Shelton and Tiafoe, which seems to contradict his previously stated wishes.
Taylor Fritz, whose withdrawal was one of the reasons for the MGM Rewards Slam exhibition event in Las Vegas being postponed, does not like Alcaraz and other players being accused of hypocrisy for competing in exhibitions while criticizing the ATP schedule.
The 2024 US Open runner-up's reasoning was similar to Ferrero's. He said exhibitions should never be compared to ATP tournaments because of the competitive edge players compete with at professional events.
Hopefully, Fritz is fit for the Indian Wells Open. He withdrew from the 2025 Mexican Open because of an abdominal injury he has been managing for a few weeks. That was also why the American withdrew from the exhibition in Las Vegas.
Alcaraz is the two-time defending champion at the Indian Wells Open. Fritz being absent would make his potential route to a third consecutive crown in California easier since the world No. 4 won the title in 2022.
Jannik Sinner has already been confirmed not to play in Indian Wells because of his suspension until May 4th. The ATP world No. 1 reached a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency to avoid his case for testing positive for clostebol going to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
