“I agree with Iga Swiatek” – Carlos Alcaraz warns about long-term consequences as he criticizes ‘demanding’ tennis calendar & ATP rules
World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz has thrown his weight behind Iga Świątek’s vocal criticism of the tennis calendar, warning of severe long-term consequences for players’ health and careers if the ATP and WTA don’t overhaul the “demanding” schedule and mandatory tournament rules. Fresh off his eighth title of 2025 at the Japan Open on September 30—where he defeated Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4—Alcaraz announced his withdrawal from the Shanghai Masters to rest, explicitly citing the grueling structure as a factor. “I agree with Iga Świątek,” Alcaraz stated in his post-match press conference, adding that “a lot of players are gonna do that” by skipping mandatory events to prioritize well-being. His comments, echoing Świątek’s “pretty crazy” assessment of the WTA’s requirements, have ignited a broader debate on player burnout, with Coco Gauff also weighing in on the “impossible” demands.
The Criticism: A Packed Calendar and Rigid Rules
Alcaraz, who has played over 70 matches in 2025 across three surfaces (including Wimbledon and US Open titles), described the schedule as “really tight” and “too many mandatory tournaments, too many in a row.” Under current ATP rules, top-30 players must compete in all Grand Slams, nine Masters 1000 events, and at least five ATP 500 tournaments, with bonuses tied to participation. This rigidity, Alcaraz argued, leaves little room for recovery, forcing athletes to choose between health and rankings. “They put in some rules that we have to play Masters 1000s, 500 tournaments, whatever it is… I will consider skipping some mandatory tournaments to the benefit of myself mentally,” he said, highlighting the mental toll alongside physical strain.
Świątek, the world No. 2 and five-time Grand Slam champion, sparked the latest round of outcry during the China Open, calling the mandatory participation “crazy” and blaming it for rising injuries among elites like Alcaraz (ankle scare in Tokyo) and Paula Badosa (season-ending back issue). “The season is too long, too intense,” Świątek said, noting the Asian swing’s back-to-back WTA 1000 events (Beijing and Wuhan) exemplify the overload. Gauff, the defending Beijing champion, agreed, stating it’s “impossible” to play everything without burnout, especially with the WTA requiring top players to enter all Slams, 10 WTA 1000s, and six 500-level events.
Alcaraz went further, warning of “long-term consequences”: shortened careers, chronic injuries, and a talent drain if top players like him and Świątek opt out more frequently. “They are going to kill us,” he quipped, echoing earlier frustrations from the Laver Cup. His Shanghai skip, costing him potential $2.8 million in bonuses and ranking points, underscores the rebellion—prioritizing rest over a third Masters 1000 absence.
#### The Broader Debate: Players vs. Tours
The outcry isn’t new; Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have long advocated for shorter seasons (from 11 months to 8-9), but 2025’s expansions—16 ATP 500s and unified WTA/ATP calendars—have amplified tensions. Top-10 player Qinwen Zheng pushed back, insisting the schedule “isn’t too tight,” but Alcaraz’s voice as a dominant force (67-7 record this year) adds urgency. Analysts note the irony: While tours chase revenue (e.g., Beijing’s $8.5 million purse), player welfare suffers, with injury rates up 20% since 2023 per ATP data.
| Player | Key Quote | Stance on Calendar |
|——–|———–|——————–|
| Carlos Alcaraz | “I agree with Iga… too many mandatory tournaments.” | Critical; skipping Shanghai for health. |
| Iga Świątek | “Mandatory requirements are pretty crazy.” | Critical; eyes skipping events for recovery. |
| Coco Gauff | “On a player health standpoint, I don’t agree with it.” | Critical; calls for shorter seasons. |
| Qinwen Zheng | “I don’t think it’s too tight.” | Supportive; defends current structure. |
Alcaraz’s 2025: Triumph Amid Toll
Alcaraz’s Tokyo run—straight-sets wins over Sebastian Baez, Zizou Bergs, Brandon Nakashima, and Casper Ruud before the Fritz final—netted $416,365 and broke his personal 66-win record from 2023. Yet, the ankle tweak in his opener forced the Shanghai pullout, his third Masters miss this year. Returning at Paris (October 27), he eyes ATP Finals glory but reiterated: “Mental health is key—without rest, you can’t sustain this level.”
With Świątek facing Emma Navarro in Beijing’s Round of 16, the duo’s alliance could pressure tours for change. As Alcaraz put it, it’s time to “do something with the schedule” before the human cost becomes irreversible.
