“Pathetic for tennis as an organization” : Journalist criticizes Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz’s schedule after Beijing Open final
Over the course of the 2024 ATP season, highly regarded players, journalists, analysts and even fans have criticized the officials in control regarding the hectic and almost abnormal scheduling of events which fail to provide enough rest and recuperation to the players, who seem to be quite exhausted by this.
Playing match after match and then travelling to different parts of the world have finally taken a toll on the players, more so this year due to the inclusion of the summer tennis Olympics in Paris as well. From Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz complaining about their physical and mental health being ignored to Novak Djokovic and Elena Rybakina completing their matches at three in the morning, it seems like a change finally needs to occur regarding event scheduling.
The most recent burst regarding the scheduling highlights the two best players in the world right now. Just yesterday, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner played out a classic in the China Open final, with the Spainard taking the win, making it three from three against Sinner this year. But now, just a day later, both him and the Italian are already in Shanghai to kick off their Masters campaign.
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will have no time to rest as they restart at Shanghai in less than 48 hours
Whether you are the best player in the world or a complete rookie, it is obvious that your quality of play will eventually decline when playing continuously without feeling completely rejuvenated. With the season almost at the curtain call, ATP has failed to view this as a major concern even after constant criticisms.
Tennis journalist and commentator Jose Morgado spoke on the ATP’s ‘ugly’ side as an organisation on social media, which divided fans into two sides. While some agreed on the Venezuelan’s comments and hoped for a less hectic schedule, others pointed out that Beijing and Shanghai are just two hours apart with no time zone difference, and that they are professional athletes who are paid richly, so it is justified in itself.
“Both Carlos Alcaraz (vs. Shang!) and Jannik Sinner (Daniel) will have to play their first matches in Shanghai… in less than 48 hours… That’s unhealthy and actually almost pathetic for tennis as an organization.”
“Hearing that both Sinner and Alcaraz may get a Saturday start in Shanghai despite their half of the draw playing all on Friday. In that case they would play R2 on Saturday and R3 on Sunday.”
The world no.1 is set to play against Japan’s Taro Daniel while the Spainard has to put up with China’s very own Juncheng Shang. Regardless, the current landscape concerns over the tight scheduling continues, as players’ wishes from the ATP continues to be in woe.
