Sinner disagrees with Alcaraz's viewpoint

Jannik Sinner disputes Carlos Alcaraz’s stance on the match calendar, asserting that every player should have the freedom to choose their own priorities.

Jannik Sinner has expressed a different perspective from some peers regarding the current tennis schedule. Over the past 24 months, many players have voiced concerns about the extended calendar, but as Novak Djokovic mentioned in Shanghai, few have taken concrete steps to address the issue.

Last week, Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek, and Carlos Alcaraz all commented on the harshness of the schedule. Swiatek initiated the debate, followed by Gauff and Alcaraz being asked for their views. At the Japan Open in Tokyo, Alcaraz indicated he might skip some mandatory tournaments in the future, citing the current schedule’s heavy physical and mental demands.

“I think the schedule is too packed. It needs adjustment. There are too many mandatory events, too many back-to-back tournaments. The rules force us to participate in Masters 1000 and 500 events, but there are too many constraints, leaving players no choice. Honestly, I will consider skipping some mandatory tournaments to maintain my physical and mental well-being. I agree with Iga and believe many others will do the same,” Alcaraz said.

When asked at the Shanghai Masters, where he was the top seed due to Alcaraz’s absence, Sinner expressed a different opinion. The world number two did not criticize the schedule or ATP, which is led by his compatriot Andrea Gaudenzi. Instead, he stated that each player can create a schedule that suits them, as he has done over the past 24 months.

“I don’t want to criticize anything. Everyone thinks differently. We still have the right to choose, and the key is to understand what your priorities are. Last year, I also skipped some tournaments. The schedule remains the same — if you want to play, you participate; if not, you rest or train. It’s that simple,” Sinner shared.

Although not complaining, Sinner is currently placing himself on a very tight end-of-season schedule. After the China Open in Beijing, he will play the Shanghai Masters, then head to Saudi Arabia for the Six Kings Slam. Following that, the Italian player plans to compete in the Vienna Open, Paris Masters, ATP Finals, and Davis Cup Finals. Playing all seven tournaments within two months would be an almost impossible challenge.