Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek have voiced their concerns over the demanding tennis schedule
Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, and several other players have faced criticism for speaking out about the intensity of the ATP and WTA calendars. Some have labeled them as ‘soft and spoiled’ for their complaints about the packed fixture list.
Over the past few months, numerous players have expressed frustration with various aspects of the tour, including the match schedule, ball quality, and playing surfaces. Anastasia Potapova, however, offered a contrasting perspective, reminding players of their privileged position in the sport.
“I think that some players have become too soft and spoiled,” she told Russian journalist Sofya Tartakova.
“There are certainly challenges that make the tour difficult, but I’ve also experienced moments where I felt overwhelmed and questioned whether I could continue.
“But then you remember where you started, and you realize, ‘Yeah, my life is wonderful.’ Sometimes, we forget our roots. We live in our own world, and while it can be tough, professional sports demand hard work, sacrifice, and mental and physical resilience.
“At some point, you need to stop, reflect, and appreciate how far you’ve come.”
Alcaraz, during last year’s Laver Cup, pointed to the packed schedule and playing conditions as contributors to frequent injuries.
“I’m the kind of player who believes there are too many mandatory tournaments,” he said. “In the coming years, there will likely be even more. It’s exhausting. We’re already seeing a rise in injuries because of the ball, the calendar, and various other factors.”
Swiatek echoed similar sentiments at the Cincinnati Open in August, calling the congested calendar ‘scary’ and critiquing WTA leadership.
“Our calendar is probably the toughest in sports,” she stated. “Other sports are physically demanding, but they often have four to six months off.
“Our schedule keeps getting busier every year, which is concerning. The key is to train wisely and manage the workload effectively.”
