Mats Wilander defends Carlos Alcaraz following criticism over the number of exhibitions played after the season
Mats Wilander believes Carlos Alcaraz can gain inspiration from playing in exhibition matches, despite criticism.
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Mats Wilander and Carlos Alcaraz (via Imago)
There were a lot of debates about the grueling schedule of the ATP Tour calendar this season. Carlos Alcaraz has attracted criticism from several tennis legends after competing in numerous exhibition events at the end of the season, despite complaints of a hectic schedule. Mats Wilander has come to his defense, claiming he could also draw inspiration from it.
In the 2024 season, Alcaraz was one of the first players to complain about the tennis schedule, and he did so just a few weeks after claiming the silver medal at the Paris Olympics. The Spaniard finished the season poorly after winning only one title in his last five tournaments. In fact, the 21-year-old failed to progress beyond the round-robin stage of the ATP Finals after winning only one match.
With that fans were expecting Alcaraz to take time away from the court after the season ended. Surprisingly, the four-time major champion flew over to the United States for two separate exhibition events. He faced America Ben Shelton in an exhibition match at Madison Square Garden in New York, before taking on Frances Tiafoe at the Charlotte Invitational event.
This has led to American legends Andy Roddick and John Isner criticizing Alcaraz’s decision to play in exhibitions, stating he shouldn’t complain of fatigue at the 2025 Australian Open. However, Mats Wilander has defended the 21-year-old, stressing that he did great by playing at the events.
I think it’s a great thing that Carlos Alcaraz is playing some exhibitions. I’m not a big fan of exhibition tournaments where you have to play three, four, five games. But when you go to a huge stadium like Madison Square Garden, it’s great, and it’s just one game. It’s not about preparing four or five days in advance and playing three or four games. With all the talk about the schedule being too difficult, I think you have to differentiate between the types of exhibitions. And an exhibition like Madison Square Garden, the experience of New York City in the fall and winter, is a great inspiration for any artist or athlete.
Mats Wilander said via Eurosport
Alcaraz will take advantage of not competing in official tournament ahead of the Australian Open. The World No. 3 will have enough chance to get into the right shape at the Melbourne Grand Slam event.
John McEnroe worry players with a special advantage will be able to beat Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz has broken significant records in the ATP just at 21. This year, he won two Grand Slams, at the French Open and Wimbledon Championship. However, the Spaniard had some setbacks in the final weeks of the season.
One of the major setbacks was crashing out of the US Open in the second round after losing to Botic van de Zandschulp.
Tennis legend John McEnroe has revealed that players who have a height advantage, like Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, and Taylor Fritz, are going to overpower Alcaraz when he is not at his best.
You look a the guys (his rivals) and they are all so tall… do they have the explosive speed of Alcaraz? No, but I worry that because he is only six feet and a half an inch tall, they are going to drive him absolutely nuts. He’s going to play these guys that serve out of a mountain and (Alcaraz) will get frustrated. I still think he is going to get ten of them (Grand Slams), which would be unbelievable!
John McEnroe said via Andy Roddick Served podcast
Perhaps, if Alcaraz does work on some aspects of his game, especially his serving accuracy, he will be a dominant player on the Tour. But the Spaniard is young and still has more to learn throughout his career.
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Victor Okechukwu
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