Carlos Alcaraz Calls Out Brutal ATP Scheduling After US Open Win: “It Never Stops”

The last Grand Slam of the season is officially over. Feels like just yesterday when the draw dropped, right? Days filled with curious eyes, wondering who’d take the spotlight and surprise us. But it was Carlos Alcaraz who stood tall, marching through the fortnight without dropping a set—until Jannik Sinner snatched the second set in their Sunday final. The match was a spectacle. The Spaniard dazzled, not only claiming redemption but also snatching the World No. 1 crown away from Sinner. While the Grand Slam curtain falls, the season for these stars isn’t over—and Alcaraz isn’t thrilled about that.

After beating Sinner 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Carlos had nothing but praise for his rival during his trophy speech. The win marks his second US Open title and sixth Grand Slam overall. Yet later, in a chat with the press, the 22-year-old opened up about a nagging thought.

Posted after the match, via an X user, he shared, “[Translated from Spanish] One of the few bad things about tennis is that it never stops. You win something and you practically have one day or no day to enjoy the success. For me, it’s important to cherish what I win with my people.” You can feel his sentiment.

Though the 2025 Grand Slams have ended, the tennis tour rolls on. Up next is the Asian swing. Then comes the Six Kings Slam, where Carlos and the other top six will battle it out, followed by the Paris Masters, and finally the year-end ATP Finals. Some players might hit exhibitions or catch a breath, but the break is brief before next season kicks off. The grind never really stops.

This isn’t the first time Alcaraz has voiced concerns about the demanding tennis calendar. One of his most notable remarks came at the 2024 Laver Cup, after he had already played 50 singles matches that season. He candidly shared, “The calendar’s so tight. A lot of tournaments … not as many days off as I want.” Then, with a touch of humor but seriousness, he added, “Probably during the next few years, it’s going to be even more mandatory tournaments. Probably they’re gonna kill us in some way.” 

Additionally, Sports journalist Jose Morgado reported on X that Carlos Alcaraz has officially withdrawn from Spain’s Davis Cup tie against Denmark next weekend in Marbella on clay. Marcel Granollers, who had a big year with doubles titles at the US Open and Roland Garros, is doubtful due to injury and might also miss the tie.

Right now, Spain’s lineup will feature Alejandro Davidovich, Pedro Martínez, and Jaume Munar, while Denmark brings stars Holger Rune and Elmer Møller, setting the stage for an open and exciting clay-court battle.

Coming back to his scheduling woes, though Alcaraz jokes, the reality isn’t lost on Alcaraz. The tennis calendar is undeniably grueling — a fact even legends like Novak Djokovic have spoken out about.

During Wimbledon, Djokovic reflected on why players are increasingly worn down: “If you want to reach the highest heights, you have to transform your entire life in service of tennis and sport. You lose yourself…” And while Carlos is revisiting the hectic tour schedule, the Spaniard seemed to have gotten a hang of it last month.

Tennis schedule leaves Carlos Alcaraz unbothered ahead of the US Open

On August 1, during a chat with the Financial Times, the 22-year-old Spaniard was asked about the packed US Open Swing schedule. Alcaraz kept it cool and clear: “I really enjoy playing tennis. It’s my passion, it’s what I chose, it’s what I love.” But, he added, playing nonstop without breaks can dull that fire. “If you play every day and you don’t have a break for yourself, to disconnect, that excitement kind of fades. So I always try to find moments of fun – of wanting to live.”

The clay and grass court seasons had the Spaniard running full throttle. Yet, after Wimbledon, he wisely pressed pause. He skipped the Citi Open and the National Bank Open to recharge. But don’t think he’s shy about the grind. He’s been vocal about the relentless schedule. “A lot of good players are going to miss a lot of tournaments because of that [injury],” he said. And, getting real, he admitted, “Sometimes, you don’t want to go to a tournament. I’m not going to lie – I have felt this way a few times already.”

Despite feeling the pressure and occasional burnout, Alcaraz stays sharp by enjoying the game. “I play my best tennis when I smile and enjoy it on court. That’s the best option to keep motivating [myself],” he confessed. After Cincinnati, he jumped straight into mixed doubles and then stormed into his US Open campaign. Talk about stamina!

He’s already hit the courts for 14 tournaments this season, and there’s no sign of slowing down. The big question now: will he bounce back refreshed after this incredible final? What do you think? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!