Remember Carlos Alcaraz‘s unfiltered emotions last season about too much tennis? The six-time slam champion didn’t hesitate while putting tournament officials on alert. “They are going to kill us in some way.” And now, he has shared an honest opinion on tennis scheduling just days after WTA star Iga Swiatek‘s unapologetic confession.

He may have triumphed in his maiden Japan Open appearance this week, but the Spaniard couldn’t avert the inevitable right before the Shanghai Masters. Alcaraz suffered an ankle injury at the start of the ATP 500 event in Tokyo last week. However, he could carry on with his campaign without any serious consequences. But now it appears the world’s No. 1 had a different plan of action ready. After he beat Taylor Fritz in the final of the Japan Open on Tuesday, he revealed an unfiltered take on the scheduling woes.

Especially in relation to his WTA counterpart and six-time slam queen, Swiatek. “I think that the schedule is really tight. They have to do something with the schedule.” He further added, “I think there are too many mandatory tournaments, too many in a row. They put in some rules that we have to play Master 1000s, 500 tournaments, whatever it is. But there are too many rules that we as tennis players are not allowed to have a choice if we have to play or not.”

The 22-year-old Spanish star has been on the court in almost every ATP event this season. Yes, he has won eight titles already – more than anyone – but one needs to realize even Alcaraz is a human who needs sufficient breaks. Or else, there are always potential injury concerns looming.

Moreover, he didn’t hesitate to say that he may “skip some mandatory tournaments just to maintain my physical condition and good shape.” Alongside physical challenges, he believes the constant pressure to participate in necessary events affects players mentally as well. “I agree with Iga and I think a lot of players are gonna do that.”

Just a few days ago, during her China Open run, Swiatek called out tennis authorities. Expressing her views on an extended calendar, she said, “Obviously the season is long. The second part of it I think people are more fatigued. The Asian Swing is the hardest because you feel the finish line coming, but you still have to push.”

The next thing Alcaraz did after making his thoughts clear was to pull out of the Shanghai Masters this month. His ankle injury may have taken a toll on him, as evident from his recent message. “I’m very disappointed to announce that I won’t be able to play the Rolex Shanghai Masters this year!” he wrote on his Instagram. “Unfortunately, I’ve been struggling with some physical issues and, after discussing with my team, we believe the best decision is to rest and recover. I was really looking forward to playing in front of the amazing fans in Shanghai again.”

With Alcaraz not going to Shanghai now, he may have given his arch-rival, Jannik Sinner, a golden chance. Especially when it comes to approaching the No.1 spot once again.

Carlos Alcaraz’s Shanghai withdrawal opens doors for Jannik Sinner

Last season, Jannik Sinner won the title at the Shanghai Masters. In the final, he beat 24-time slam king Novak Djokovic. Which means the Italian is the defending champion this time. Speaking of Carlos Alcaraz, his campaign last year at the ATP 1000 Masters tournament was not satisfactory. In the QF stage, he lost to Tomas Machac. However, with Alcaraz not appearing this time, Sinner has a golden opportunity to chase him in the rankings. Currently, Alcaraz is sitting at the top with 11,540 ranking points. He took the No.1 throne from Sinner after besting him in New York last month.

The Italian, who is now World No.2, is not too far away from Carlos Alcaraz. As of now, he has 10,780 ranking points. In case he wins the Shanghai Masters title for a second-straight time, the four-time slam winner will successfully defend his 1,000 points that he earned last season following the win against Djokovic. Alcaraz got 200 points for reaching the QF. In his absence, he will drop those points now, eventually getting reduced to 11,340 points.

Now, what makes the equation interesting is Sinner’s campaign. At the China Open this week, he is already in the summit clash where he faces America’s Learner Tien on Wednesday. If Sinner wins, he will get 500 ranking points, reducing the gap between him and Alcaraz in points. Further, if the Italian also ends up defending his Shanghai crown, he may reach 10,950 points. If that happens, the overall difference between him and Alcaraz will be just 390 points.

Later, if he also emerges victorious in Vienna, the Italian will be able to claim the No.1 spot once again. But can he win three back-to-back titles in order to make it all happen? Only time will tell.