'Inconsistent' Alcaraz called out for playing exhibitions despite calendar complaints
NewsFriday, 03 October 2025 at 12:31
Serena Williams' former coach, Rennae Stubbs, did not let how much she likes watching Carlos Alcaraz prevent her from discussing what she sees as hypocrisy from the young star.
In the last few years, criticism of the ATP and WTA calendars has grown more intense. Stars like Iga Swiatek and Alexander Zverev believe the season is too lengthy and there are too many mandatory tournaments.
Alcaraz has also spoken a few times about the grueling schedule, and even said there have been times he did not want to travel for tournaments because he felt drained and wanted recovery time.
However, Alcaraz has been announced for exhibitions in December against Frances Tiafoe and Joao Fonseca and will play at this month's Six Kings Slam, raising the question of why the Spaniard is not using all of December to rest and train at home if he thinks the season is too intense.
In an episode of her podcast, Rennae Stubbs agreed with those who think Alcaraz's actions do not match his words. Although the Australian was not strongly attacking the six-time Grand Slam champion, she also admitted the situation made her laugh.
"I do think it's funny because as much as I love Carlos, it's like I have recently seen that he is literally signed up for like every exhibition in December. He's doing one in New Jersey, he's doing the one in Saudi Arabia."
"Like, it is hard to take them seriously when they're like, yes, the schedule needs to be smaller so that I can go play exhibitions in the Miami suburbs. Again, not so much critique, it's just a little inconsistent. Yeah, that just makes me, that's what makes me laugh.”
Alcaraz also competed at the 2024 Six Kings Slam and in two exhibitions last December. Those who think Alcaraz is a hypocrite can use that evidence stretching back almost 12 months to support their position.
However, Taylor Fritz defended Alcaraz last year. The American feels exhibitions should not be compared to professional tournaments because they are less intense and the final result does not matter as much.
Opinions differ on the subject, and Alcaraz will undoubtedly be criticized by some fans and pundits in the future if he continues to participate in exhibitions while claiming he wants more time in Spain with his family.
Carlos Alcaraz will not play again until the 2025 Six Kings Slam
Alcaraz continued his stunning form since the clay-court swing by winning the 2025 Japan Open a few days ago. The 22-year-old overcame an argument with the umpire in the final after receiving a time violation to beat Fritz in straight sets.
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However, he also managed a left ankle issue in Tokyo. That led to Alcaraz withdrawing from the ongoing 2025 Shanghai Masters, but he expects to be ready for the Six Kings Slam, which starts on October 15th.
Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Fritz, and Stefanos Tsitsipas will play for the $6,000,000 winner's prize money at the Six Kings Slam. Sinner was ridiculed by many for saying he did not care much about money after winning that amount last year.
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