Carlos Alcaraz spoke about how challenging he finds the lengthy tennis calendar after being eliminated from the ATP Finals.
In 2024, more players on the ATP and WTA Tours have become vocal about the length of the tennis calendar. The ATP season began on December 29th at the United Cup and will not finish until November 24th, when the Davis Cup Finals are completed.
Alexander Zverev, who eliminated Alcaraz from the ATP Finals, was one of those who spoke bluntly about the issue. He accused the ATP of not caring about the players but dismissed the idea of boycotting tournaments.
Iga Swiatek has been an active WTA voice. The five-time Grand Slam champion fears the long-term consequences of players not resting enough and thinks the sport will be harmed.
Stefanos Tsitsipas does not like the introduction of more two-week Masters 1000 events in 2024 and admitted being at those tournaments for longer than he was used to took a mental toll on him.
Alcaraz also expressed concerns earlier this year about the calendar, saying there have been times he did not want to travel to tournaments because of mental and physical exhaustion.
The 21-year-old struggled during the final tournaments of the season in 2022 and 2023. Although Alcaraz feels he has coped better with mental fatigue this year, that has stopped his form from dipping during the European indoor hardcourt season.
Alcaraz discussed the issue again in a press conference after losing to Zverev. The Spaniard admits that traveling during the season's closing stages is something he finds particularly tough because of how much he misses home.
"As I said, I think this year I came to this part of the year much better than last year, but way from where I want I want to rest. For me, it is a goal to come, come to this part of the year, as much fresh mentally as I can, try to find every place, every tournament, ever match enjoyable."
"Yeah, it is not easy. It is not easy, at least for me, traveling a lot in this part of the year. I miss home. I want to spend time with my close people at home. I have to travel, I have to play more tournaments, more matches."
"But anyway, as I said, I have to find it enjoyable playing these kind of tournaments, because it is a privilege. But, yeah, next year I will try to be better on that part."
It will be interesting to see whether Alcaraz makes some sacrifices next season for the sake of his long-term mental and physical well-being. Players, aside from established legends like Novak Djokovic, can be penalized for not playing in mandatory tournaments.
However, Alcaraz might need to accept some sanctions if he wants to manage his schedule and give himself a less intense workload. Otherwise, he could burn himself out.
Alcaraz is undoubtedly happy that Rafael Nadal's farewell at the Davis Cup Finals will be played on home soil in Malaga. Team Spain's quarterfinal clash with the Netherlands is scheduled for Tuesday.
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