Tennis Controversies of the Week: Carlos Alcaraz censured for contradicting himself; Daniil Medvedev, Frances Tiafoe, Ben Shelton slammed for Laver Cup behavior, and more

Carlos Alcaraz was called out for alleged hypocrisy following his complaints about the ATP Tour’s grueling schedule and partnering with Alexander Zverev for Laver Cup doubles match. In other news, Daniil Medvedev came under fire for an angry racket throw during his Laver Cup match against Team World's Ben Shelton.

Meanwhile, Frances Tiafoe drew criticism for alleged intimidation tactics against Team Europe's Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Laver Cup alongside Shelton. Serena Williams' former coach Patrick Mouratoglou faced heat over his remarks on Carlos Alcaraz's demanding schedule.

On that note, here's a recap of the top controversies from last week:

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Carlos Alcaraz accused of having double standards over ATP Tour schedule complaints

Carlos Alcaraz at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals (Image Source: Getty)

Carlos Alcaraz faced criticism for perceived double standards after expressing concerns about the demanding ATP Tour schedule, humorously suggesting that it might "kill" him and other players.

Following his second-round exit at the US Open, Alcaraz helped Spain to the knockout stages of the Davis Cup Finals before inspiring Team Europe to victory at the Laver Cup in Berlin. The Spaniard is also scheduled to compete in the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Saudi Arabia, followed by representing Spain in the Davis Cup Finals.

Additionally, he has exhibition events lined up in New York and Charlotte, along with upcoming Masters 1000 tournaments in Paris and Shanghai, and the season-ending Nitto ATP Finals.

Earlier during the Laver Cup, Alcaraz shared with reporters that he feels the Tour schedule places a heavy burden on players’ health.

"A lot of players feel like, okay, it is a good calendar. And a lot of players says that it’s really tight and a lot of tournaments during the whole year," Alcaraz said.

"I’m the kind of player who think there is a lot of tournaments during the year, mandatory tournament, 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 (smiling)," he added.

Tennis fans on X (formerly Twitter) criticized Alcaraz’s comments, highlighting that he himself is participating in multiple exhibition events.

In addition to these comments, Carlos Alcaraz received flak for partnering with Alexander Zverev in the Laver Cup doubles match.

In his debut at the seventh edition of the Laver Cup, Alcaraz had a rocky start with a doubles loss on Day 1, where he and partner Zverev were defeated 6-7(5), 4-6 by Team World's Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz.

However, Alcaraz bounced back on Day 2, securing his first singles win by beating Shelton 6-4, 6-4. On Day 3, he teamed up with Casper Ruud to overcome Team World's Frances Tiafoe and Shelton 6-2, 7-6(6). Alcaraz ultimately led Team Europe to a 13-11 victory, capping the event with a 6-2, 7-5 singles win over Fritz.

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Daniil Medvedev caused stir with furious racket toss in the Laver Cup defeat to Ben Shelton

Daniil Medvedev at the 2024 French Open (Image Source: Getty)

Daniil Medvedev sparked controversy during his 7-6(6), 5-7, 7-10 defeat to Team World's Ben Shelton on Day 3 of the 2024 Laver Cup.

Medvedev entered the match after a three-set defeat to Frances Tiafoe on Day 2. The first set between the Russian and Ben Shelton was tightly contested, and went to a tiebreak, where the American created a set point opportunity. In a fit of rage, the Russian angrily hurled his racket toward the crowd, though fortunately, it didn’t hit anyone.

Team World immediately protested, arguing that Medvedev's actions could have warranted a default. However, the chair umpire opted to issue the Russian a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct instead.

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Frances Tiafoe came under fire for allegedly ganging up on Stefanos Tsitsipas during Laver Cup match alongside Ben Shelton

Frances Tiafoe landed in hot water after he appeared to mock Team Europe’s Stefanos Tsitsipas alongside Ben Shelton during the doubles match on Day 2 of the 2024 Laver Cup.

Team World’s Shelton and his partner Alejandro Tabilo defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas and Casper Ruud 6-1, 6-2, ending the day with an 8-4 lead over Team Europe. At one point in the match, it seemed Shelton and Tiafoe shared a laugh after Shelton hit a shot towards Tsitsipas.

Watch the video here:

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Serena Williams' ex-coach Patrick Mouratoglou faced backlash for criticizing Carlos Alcaraz's busy schedule

Patrick Mouratoglou during the 2023 French Open (Source: Getty Images)

Serena Williams' former coach Patrick Mouratoglou faced criticism after comparing Carlos Alcaraz's ATP Tour schedule to that of legends Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic.

Following his straight-sets loss to Botic van de Zandschulp in the US Open second round, Alcaraz admitted he wasn't at his best mentally or physically, particularly after the taxing experience at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he claimed a silver medal.

Mouratoglou commented on the Spaniard’s emotional and physical exhaustion from his busy schedule.

"I wouldn’t think he’d lose in 3 sets like this [US Open]. But for me it’s a half a surprise. Two grand slams in a row, now he can rest. No no no. The Olympic Games now, plus all the other tournaments. But they meant so much to him," Mouratoglou said.

"He put everything, mentally, emotionally, of course, physically and tennis-wise, on the table to win them, because it's got counted so much. And when it counts so much for you, emotionally, it's draining. He was exhausted, mentally exhausted," he added.

The French coach also noted that Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic rarely experienced cramping, whereas Alcaraz, despite being just 21, has already struggled with cramps during matches.