Four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz has expressed concern over the demanding tennis calendar, stating that it makes it challenging for players to maintain motivation throughout the year and increases the likelihood of injuries.
The world number three, who has secured victories at the French Open and Wimbledon this year, along with a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, fears that the situation may deteriorate further with the addition of more mandatory tournaments in the future.
"Probably during the next few years, it's going to be even more mandatory tournaments. Probably they are gonna kill us in some way," Alcaraz told reporters on Saturday after his win against Team World's Ben Shelton in the Laver Cup.
The 21-year-old Spaniard, who has played 50 professional singles matches this year before the Laver Cup, winning 41 of them, emphasized the strain the calendar puts on players.
"Right now there are ... a lot of injured (players) because of the calendar. Probably at some point a lot of good players are going to miss a lot of tournaments because of that," he said.
Alcaraz also shared his personal struggles with the tight schedule, admitting, "It is difficult. Sometimes I didn't feel motivated at all. The calendar's so tight. A lot of tournaments ... not as (many) days off as I want."
He further added, "I've been feeling this a few times already, that I don't want to go to that tournament. I want to stay at home with my family and my friends."
