Carlos Alcaraz has once again expressed concerns regarding the ATP Tour's calendar, emphasizing the burden it places on players. The world No. 3 voiced his opinions while preparing for this week's Japan Open after participating in the Laver Cup, where Team Europe secured a 13-5 victory over Team World.
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Alcaraz is particularly opposed to proposals aimed at reducing the Grand Slam matches from the current best-of-five format. He argued that shortening these matches would diminish the significance and legacy of the prestigious tournaments. Instead, he suggested the need for adjustments to the overall player schedule, highlighting issues like late-night finishes and the physical demands on athletes.
In the first round of the Japan Open, Alcaraz managed to overcome Alex Michelsen in a closely contested match, winning 7-6, 4-6, 6-1. Despite securing the victory, he noted feeling frustrated with his performance and the challenges he faced in adapting to the conditions in Tokyo. As defending champion, expectations were high for Alcaraz.
In related news, the WTA announced a reduced tournament schedule for top-ranked players in 2027, allowing them to participate in only four WTA 500 events instead of six, a potential move to ease the players' workload amid similar discussions within the ATP.