Carlos Alcaraz Shares What He Thinks Can ‘Kill the Legacy’ of Grand Slams

Carlos Alcaraz is chasing his second ATP 500 title of the season in Tokyo.

Carlos Alcaraz Shares What He Thinks Can ‘Kill the Legacy’ of Grand Slams

Carlos Alcaraz (Image via BBC)

Carlos Alcaraz is in Tokyo for the ATP 500 Japan Open and kicked off his title defense against Alex Michelsen with a win. At his pre-tournament press conference, Alcaraz was asked if Grand Slams should scrap the best-of-five-sets format.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion made it clear that he was not at all a fan of that idea. He pointed out that the four Slams were different from other tournaments because of the best-of-five-sets format.

The Grand Slams are played best-of-five. If we take away that and play best-of-three, I think we’re killing the legacy of the Grand Slams and killing the Grand Slams. We have been playing best-of-five matches at the Grand Slams since the very beginning, and I think that is what makes those tournaments different and special. So I wouldn’t touch anything from that, and for me it’s okay to play best-of-five.

Carlos Alcaraz said (H/T: Tennismajors)

There was a great deal of debate regarding the schedule when Alcaraz’s US Open quarterfinal against eventual runner-up Ben Shelton ended at 3:33 am local time. Alcaraz struggled physically and was also seen throwing up once.

Moreover, during the US Open, the World No.3 complained about the calendar, once again requesting the bosses shorten it. He has planned to take longer breaks by skipping tournaments in the future, blaming the packed calendar for players’ injuries.

I would say the calendar. I’ve always said that it has to change. Playing a little bit less and not having that amount of tournaments in a row, week after week. So I would change that, definitely, I would change that.

Carlos Alcaraz added

At the Japan Open, the 23-year-old is competing in his third ATP 500 tournament of the season after the Qatar Open and the Barcelona Open. In Doha, Alcaraz defeated Arthur Fils, and he injured his wrist during the Barcelona Open. The US Open was the first tournament he played after recovering.

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Carlos Alcaraz on Juan Carlos Ferrero’s return to the tour

Last month, Juan Carlos Ferrero revealed that he will return to the tour as a coach next year. But he decided not to reveal whose entourage he will join. Ferrero and Carlos Alcaraz split last year due to failed contract negotiations, and then he started working with Spanish golfer Angel Ayora.

Carlos Alcaraz Juan Carlos Ferrero
Carlos Alcaraz, Juan Carlos Ferrero (Image via X/Carlos Alcaraz 4K, TENNISCentel)

Alcaraz, after parting ways with the 2003 French Open champion, continued to work alongside Samuel Lopez and won the Australian Open and the Qatar Open under him.

Before arriving in Tokyo, Alcaraz was in London for the Laver Cup, where Team Europe defeated Team World. There, Alcaraz was asked about Ferrero’s return.

He hasn’t told me anything. I’m very happy that he’s coming back to the circuit. We’ll see each other. It will be great. It doesn’t matter who he coaches, I think it will be very good.

Carlos Alcaraz said

Carlos Alcaraz won 24 tour-level titles under Ferrero, which also includes his first six Grand Slam titles. Before Alcaraz, Ferrero worked with World No.2 Alexander Zverev, who is now competing at the China Open.

Zverev will finish the season with the most Majors, as he lifted the French Open and the US Open. He also reached the final of Wimbledon, but lost to Jannik Sinner. In Paris, he beat Flavio Cobolli, while in New York, he beat Ben Shelton to win the trophy.

After the Japan Open, Alcaraz will compete at the Shanghai Masters, which he skipped last year due to an ankle injury. Alcaraz hasn’t yet won a title at a Masters 1000 this season.

The only time he played an event at this level was in Monte Carlo, where he lost to Sinner and also lost the No.1 ranking to the Italian.

Also Read: David Ferrer Addresses Criticism Over Carlos Alcaraz Skipping Davis Cup but Playing Laver Cup