Carlos Alcaraz recently expressed concerns regarding the ATP Tour's demanding schedule, suggesting it may contribute to the increasing number of injuries among players. His remarks followed Jannik Sinner's announcement that he would end his season early due to a knee injury. Alcaraz, who returned to competitive tennis in September after a four-month recovery from a wrist injury sustained at the Barcelona Open, indicated that this grueling schedule is pushing players too hard.
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Historically, September marks a challenging time for Alcaraz, often resulting in fatigue after competing in all four Grand Slams. He has acknowledged this pattern and aims to conclude the 2026 season positively, feeling mentally rejuvenated after his recent victory in Tokyo.
Former World No. 1 Kim Clijsters has raised concerns about Sinner and Alcaraz, noting how they face serious injuries earlier in their careers compared to legends like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. As Alcaraz prepares for the Shanghai Masters, he stated that he feels "very good" both physically and mentally after his injury hiatus, which has allowed him to approach this part of the season with fresh energy.
Sinner's decision to withdraw from the rest of the 2026 season has drawn praise from Djokovic, who called it a "smart" choice given the circumstances. The impact of Sinner's injury is significant for the ATP Tour as it leaves a notable absence among the top players. While Alcaraz's former coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, addressed rumors about potentially coaching Sinner, he emphasized that such a decision would not be pursued to undermine Alcaraz.
With Sinner’s departure from the current season, speculation arises regarding who will emerge as the top player, with Alexander Zverev now likely to secure the No. 1 ranking.