The tennis calendar is too long, say some players, including Carlos Alcaraz.
After a tough season, ATP players will finally get their break after the Davis Cup Finals wrap up. The team event kicked off with Rafael Nadal facing a tough loss against Botic van de Zandschulp.
Meanwhile, WTA players enjoy a slightly longer rest period than their ATP counterparts. The Billie Jean King Cup final between Italy and Slovakia marks the last day of action for 2024 on the WTA Tour, with Italy having already defeated Iga Swiatek’s Poland in the semifinals .
| Name | Age | Points | Stats 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| es Carlos Alcaraz | 21 | 68,791 | 25 - 5 |
Debate Over Season Length:
Many stars from both ATP and WTA feel that the season drags on too long. Alexander Zverev has openly criticized the ATP for not listening to player opinions, accusing them of focusing only on profits. Swiatek has also voiced concerns about potential long-term harm to athletes if changes aren’t made soon.
Alcaraz joined this chorus of discontent by expressing his reluctance to travel for certain tournaments in 2024, claiming organizers are pushing players to their limits. But fans might wonder why he still participates in events like the Laver Cup and exhibition matches at Madison Square Garden despite these complaints.
Billie Jean King didn’t hold back her thoughts either, labeling those who gripe about the schedule yet play extra matches as hypocrites she finds hard to take seriously.
Andrea Gaudenzi responded more sympathetically to Alcaraz’s worries during an interview with SportFace. He assured that efforts are underway to address these issues but explained that adjusting schedules isn’t as simple due to tournament ownership complexities.
“This is a problem and I agree,” Gaudenzi stated. “We are working on it.” Yet he pointed out how difficult it is without centralized control over events: “There is an obligation to play Masters 1000… because fans want to see the best.”
Gaudenzi defended extending some Masters 1000 tournaments despite player dissatisfaction but acknowledged recovery time remains insufficient: “With new formats many now play into November… leaving little time for rest.”
What do you think? Should they shorten the tennis season?
