Carlos Alcaraz has publicly defended his decision to compete in several exhibition events in the United States, despite being one of the most vocal critics of the demanding tour schedule. The World No. 1 plans to use the pre-season to prepare thoroughly for the upcoming 2026 campaign.

Carlos Alcaraz has publicly defended his decision to compete in several exhibition events in the United States, despite being one of the most vocal critics of the demanding tour schedule. The World No. 1 plans to use the pre-season to prepare thoroughly for the upcoming 2026 campaign.

However, the Spaniard has also been a vocal critic of the tour schedule over the past two seasons. He and WTA star Iga Swiatek have repeatedly called out the ATP and WTA for creating a jam-packed calendar that forces players to compete week after week. Alcaraz has often pointed out that playing so many events contributes to injuries and fatigue.

With the 2026 season just weeks away, Alcaraz has begun ramping up his preparations for another demanding year, hoping to reignite his electrifying rivalry with Jannik Sinner. The two are set to face off in South Korea for an exhibition clash, but before that, Alcaraz will compete at the Miami Invitational exhibition event on December 8.

The 22-year-old will take on rising sensation Joao Fonseca at LoanDepot Park in Miami. In an interview with the Associated Press ahead of the exhibition events, he admitted that it’s normal for people not to fully understand why he chooses to play exhibitions, while also reiterating his frustrations with the hectic tour schedule:

First of all, it’s normal for people to think this way and not understand why we complain about the schedule when we then schedule Exhibitions. For me, the biggest difference is that in a tournament you have to maintain concentration, and it is demanding both physically and mentally. An exhibition is only one day. You just have to keep your focus, warm up, and train a little and only for one game.