Ex-WTA Player Is Losing ‘Sympathy’ for Carlos Alcaraz After Recent Complaints

Carlos Alcaraz has crashed out of the Shanghai Masters after a 7-5, 7-6(4) defeat to Zizou Bergs in the third round of the Shanghai Masters. The Spaniard frequently complained about the inconsistency of the balls en route to his upset.

Alcaraz, who has never progressed beyond the quarterfinals (reached in 2024), played in Shanghai for the third time. The defeat also ended his seven-match winning streak; before Shanghai, he lifted his third title of the season by beating Jiri Lehecka at the Japan Open, where he also defended his title.

Since returning to action after recovering from the wrist injury he picked up at the Barcelona Open, Alcaraz has complained about the tennis schedule more than once. He plans to skip events and take long breaks in the future so non-stop tennis doesn’t take a toll on his body.

The 23-year-old also said the ATP is forcing players to play more tournaments and that their bodies aren’t getting enough time to recover, which is leading to injuries. He also cited the example of his arch-rival Jannik Sinner, who, after winning five back-to-back Masters 1000s and defending his Wimbledon title, hurt his knee and has now ended his season.

Although many from the tennis world agree with Alcaraz’s criticism of the schedule, former WTA player Naomi Broady struggles to sympathize with Alcaraz, mainly for one reason: that in spite of his complaints, he signs up for exhibition events.

I definitely lose sympathy for the argument when you play Six Kings and Laver Cup, whatever other ones there are dotted throughout the year. He’s a big voice at the top of the sport, and at the end of the day it’s a diluted product if Alcaraz, Sinner, and the other top players can’t keep up with the demands of the Tour. The other argument is they don’t have to play every single one.

Naomi Broady told Sky Sports

At the Laver Cup this year, Alcaraz played one singles and one doubles match. He beat Taylor Fritz after he and Jakub Mensik beat Fritz and Alexander Bublik.

I think they’re docked extra prize money at the end of the year. It’s on top of what they’re already earning, it’s the bonus pool they’re docked from when they don’t play everything.

Naomi Broady added

Alcaraz will next compete at the Six Kings Slam, which runs from October 21 to 24 in Riyadh. Two-time defending champion Sinner won’t play. He is replaced by Learner Tien.

Alexander Zverev clinches year-end number one ranking after Carlos Alcaraz’s Shanghai Masters exit

Alexander Zverev is now guaranteed to finish this season as World No.1 after Carlos Alcaraz’s upset at the Shanghai Masters. Zverev was set to become the No.1 player after current World No.1 Jannik Sinner announced he was ending his season. But Alcaraz, before his defeat to Zizou Bergs, had a mathematical chance of stopping Zverev from becoming the newest top-ranked player.

It’s been a fantastic season for me, winning in Paris and New York, and knowing that I will finish the year on top of the rankings is just a dream come true. So much work and effort have been put into achieving this goal, especially after coming back from the ankle injury. I look forward to finishing the season in style.

Alexander Zverev said (H/T: ATPTour.com)

After losing three Grand Slam finals, Zverev ended his title drought at this level by beating Flavio Cobolli at the French Open. He doubled his title count by upsetting home favorite Ben Shelton at the US Open.

Earlier this season, Sinner reclaimed his No.1 spot by beating Alcaraz in the Monte-Carlo Masters final. He last played in the Wimbledon final against Zverev.

Also read: Jannik Sinner’s Injury Highlights ‘Strange’ Trend on Tennis Tour