"Jannik Sinner didn't complain as much" - Carlos Alcaraz clarifies comments on ATP calendar, responds to criticism over his exhibitions' participation

Carlos Alcaraz recently addressed and clarified the comments he made about the ATP tour calendar. He also responded to the criticisms he faced regarding his participation in multiple exhibition matches this year.

Alcaraz, who recently competed at the 2024 Laver Cup in Berlin, expressed his concerns about the demanding schedule that players face during a press conference at the tournament. He said that the numerous tournaments throughout the year, including mandatory events, can be overwhelming for players.

"There is a lot of tournaments during the year, mandatory tournaments, and probably during the next few years gonna be even more tournaments, more mandatory tournaments. So, I mean, probably they are going to kill us in some way," Alcaraz said.

Following Alcaraz's remarks, other players, such as Jannik Sinner gave their thoughts on the challenges of the ATP tour schedule. While Sinner agreed that the ATP tour was lengthy and difficult, he said that players have the autonomy to select which tournaments to participate in.

Carlos Alcaraz, who is currently in Beijing to play at the 2024 China Open was asked to comment on Sinner's statements. He said players have varying opinions on the tour schedule, like, he had complained about the tour schedule a bit too much whereas Sinner refrained from doing so.

"I've seen and I've hear a lot of players complain about the schedule, about the calendar as well. I hear about in Jannik's press conference here, he talk about it a little bit. He didn't complain as much as he did, he didn't complain big about the calendar," Alcaraz said.

The former World No. 1 said that while some players might agree with his concerns, others would align with Sinner's viewpoint as everybody's feelings are different.

It depends as well about the players. Probably a few players, a lot of players are not going in my side; a lot of them going to be in my side complaining about the calendar, that it is so tight. It depend about the feelings of every players," he added.

Addressing criticisms about his participation in exhibition matches, Alcaraz clarified that the intensity of exhibition matches differs from official tour matches. He participated in the Netflix Slam earlier this year and will play the Charlotte Invitational, and the 6 Kings Slam later in the year.

The Spaniard said people should understand that there is a difference between exhibition matches and official tournaments when evaluating players' schedules.

"I've seen a lot of people talk about my exhibitions this year and complain about the schedule, at the same time putting a lot of exhibition. But I want to say there is different things; we all have to separate the exhibitions and the calendar," said Carlos Alcaraz.

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Carlos Alcaraz & Jannik Sinner will begin their Asian swing at China Open 2024

Carlos Alcaraz [Source: Getty]

Both Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are set to kick off their Asian swing at the 2024 China Open. Last year, Sinner had won the ATP 500 hard court title in Beijing by defeating Daniil Medvedev in the final, whereas Alcaraz had reached the semifinals before falling to the Italian.

Alcaraz will be entering the tournament in Beijing fresh off a title run at the 2024 Laver Cup in Berlin, where his impressive performances helped Team Europe secure their fifth title. He will face Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the first round in Beijing. If the Spaniard defeats Perricard, he will go on to face either Tallon Griekspoor or Miomir Kecmanovic in the second round.

Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner will enter the China Open after winning the 2024 US Open, his second Grand Slam title of the season and his career. He is scheduled to face Nicolas Jarry in the first round, with a potential second-round clash against Jan-Lennard Struff or wild card Stan Wawrinka if he advances past Jarry.