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“They Are Pushing Us Too Much” – Carlos Alcaraz Blames Jannik Sinner’s Knee Injury On Grueling ATP Schedule

World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz has joined the growing chorus of top players criticizing the ATP Tour’s grueling schedule, this time linking Jannik Sinner’s season-ending right knee injury to the relentless pace of professional tennis.

Speaking ahead of his upcoming Shanghai Masters appearance, Alcaraz—who returned from his own four-month wrist injury hiatus in September—highlighted the physical toll of the packed calendar, noting that players like Sinner are increasingly falling victim to overuse. The Spaniard, who won the Japan Open title in October by defeating Jiří Lehečka in the final, expressed concern that the ATP’s expanding slate of tournaments is pushing athletes beyond sustainable limits, with more players suffering injuries or fatigue.

Alcaraz, who faced Jaime Faria in the U.S. Open’s second round earlier this month, also revealed plans to take longer breaks in the future, potentially skipping tournaments to prioritize recovery.

His comments come as Sinner, the world’s top-ranked player, withdrew from the Shanghai event due to his knee issue, raising further questions about the tour’s demands. Alcaraz is set to face Juan Manuel Cerúndolo in Shanghai this weekend, where he’ll continue advocating for schedule reforms while navigating the same challenges he’s criticized.

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