Carlos Alcaraz has voiced serious concerns about the intensity of professional tennis, arguing that the sport's packed calendar is driving competitors towards injury and burnout. The world No 3 made his remarks just two days after clinching his third title of a challenging year at the Japan Open, where he successfully defended his crown despite missing nearly five months through a wrist injury that sidelined him from April through August.
His comments come in the wake of world No 1 Jannik Sinner's announcement that he is withdrawing from the remainder of the 2026 season due to a knee problem. According to Olympics.com, Sinner's knee injury originated during his Wimbledon victory on 12 July, and his team confirmed he has not undergone knee surgery and has no procedure planned, with treatment aimed at enabling recovery before his 2027 preparations begin.
Speaking ahead of his Shanghai Masters opener on Saturday, Alcaraz outlined his frustration with the relentless demands placed on elite players.
One of the reasons we had to see the players who are getting injured, they [ATP officials] are pushing us too much out of the line sometimes to play a lot of tournaments, to play a lot of matches.
It's getting in the wrong direction.
The Spanish star extended his support to Sinner during what will be an extended absence from competition.
I just wish Jannik the best for these months, just to be in good shape for the next season.
Hopefully see him soon, but they have to see a little bit what's going on on the tour along with the players.
Sinner's decision to end his campaign marks a significant moment in the men's game. According to Yahoo Sports, the Italian finishes 2026 with an impressive 44–3 record and six tournament titles despite the injury setback. The world No 1 has not competed since his triumph over Alexander Zverev in the Wimbledon final in July.
Novak Djokovic, who captured his 102nd career title at the China Open on Tuesday, offered his perspective on Sinner's decision to prioritise long-term health.
He's been the best player in the world, been a dominant force for the last couple of years along with Carlos [Alcaraz].
For sure tennis misses him but at the same time he has to think long term.
The 39-year-old Serbian champion emphasised the importance of strategic career management and protecting one's longevity in the sport.
That's smart because as someone that always tried to have the big picture in my mind, I really support that kind of thinking and mindset.
It's important that you give yourself more years to your career so you have more chances to accomplish all of your objectives.
Djokovic reflected on the challenges that arise when players return from extended absences, noting the psychological and physical hurdles involved in making a comeback.
If you're away from the tour for so long and then make a comeback, you have to deal with more things than you normally have to deal with. You're evaluating with your team constantly.
When you get the green light to be able to compete, then it's mental. You're on the court and you're thinking: 'Am I really completely healed and free to make this run?'
The three-time Australian Open champion highlighted the particular severity of knee injuries and their impact on a player's movement and performance.
For him if it's a knee, it's affecting everything, affecting every single movement.
Sinner's withdrawal from the remainder of 2026 follows his earlier absence from the US Open, which opened the door for Djokovic, Alcaraz, Zverev and others to compete for the title in late August. The Italian's focus now shifts to recovery, with his first scheduled event of 2027 being the Australian Open, which begins on 17 January.
Sky Sports News has contacted the ATP for a response to Alcaraz's comments regarding the demanding schedule and player welfare concerns.
What comes next
Alcaraz will compete in the Shanghai Masters this weekend, continuing his push through the autumn calendar. Sinner's recovery programme will determine whether he can return to competition in the new year, with the Australian Open representing his target comeback event.
