Carlos Alcaraz critical of number of tennis matches

World number three Carlos Alcaraz has criticised the overcrowded tennis calendar, saying: “They are going to kill us one way or another”.

The 21-year-old spoke about the issue after beating American Ben Shelton in the Laver Cup, the Spaniard’s 14th tournament of the year.

Alcaraz has won two Grand Slams this year: Roland Garros and Wimbledon. He also won a silver medal at the Paris Olympics this summer.

In August he suffered a shocking defeat in the second round of the US Open against Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp, losing in three sets.

“They’re probably going to kill us somehow,” Alcaraz said.

“At the moment, a lot of good players will miss a lot of tournaments because of that injury.”

The Laver Cup is a battle between Team Europe and Team World. This year the competition will take place in Berlin.

Alcaraz had played 50 singles matches before the 2024 event, winning 41 and losing nine.

The four-time Grand Slam winner said he sometimes finds it difficult to motivate himself because of the amount of tennis in his schedule.

“Sometimes you don’t want to go to a tournament,” he said. “I’m not going to lie – I’ve had this feeling a few times.

“Sometimes I don’t feel motivated at all. But as I’ve said many times, I play my best tennis when I’m laughing and enjoying myself on the court. That’s the best option to keep (myself) motivated.”