World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz had a busy day. He defeated Taylor Fritz, avenging a loss at Laver Cup.
Alcaraz sustained an ankle injury in the early rounds of the Japan Open. At that time, he took a medical timeout and got an extensive wrap job on it.
Some wondered if he would even continue in the tournament.
Carlos Alcaraz Announces Surprising Schedule Change
Alcaraz will not play in the ATP 1000 Shanghai Open starting on October 1.
Citing recent physical issues, Carlos Alcaraz will skip Shanghai to “rest and recover.” 💪#RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/gpb58BoLXh
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) September 30, 2025
This is significant because he and Sinner are in a tight battle for the World No. 1 ranking, and those 1000 points could be critical.
It is also symbolic of the long tennis calendar and how even the younger players are affected by it.
When Will ATP Wake Up
So many players have retired or been injured since the US Open.
Though it is not an exhaustive list, some notables are Jack Draper, Lorenzo Musetti, and Jakub Mensik.
Even Alcaraz’s opponent in the Japan Open final, Taylor Fritz, had a medical timeout for a leg injury.
It is too much tennis, and too many requirements for players to compete and travel in an exhaustive worldwide 11-month season.
The other piece of information is that the players are not always playing to sold out stadiums.
The argument has been that the tournaments are making money at the players’ expense. While the players earn prize money, the endorsements, publicity, and ticket sales are where the tournaments win financially.
However, if the stadiums are not sold out (and the WTA has the same scenario), what is the purpose of the schedule that could jeopardize the careers of these young players?
It is a question that will continue to be grappled with as players continue to deal with injuries; when will the ATP and WTA respond with a remedy?
