Carlos Alcaraz Explains Why He Chooses Exhibition Events
World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz defends his decision to play in exhibition events, citing the fun and relaxed atmosphere. Read more about his perspective.
“We're just having fun for one or two days and playing some tennis, and that's great...”
World number one Carlos Alcaraz has come out in defense of his decision to participate in the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Saudi Arabia. Despite previously expressing concerns about the grueling ATP Tour schedule, Alcaraz believes exhibition events provide a much-needed break.
The professional tennis circuit is a demanding one, spanning 11 months with extended formats at various tournaments. The “Asian swing” has been particularly challenging, with extreme heat and humidity contributing to injuries and withdrawals. This has led to scrutiny of the sport's governing bodies and scheduling practices.
Alcaraz emphasizes that exhibition events are different from official tournaments, both in format and physical demands. “We're just having fun for one or two days and playing some tennis, and that's great, and why we choose the exhibitions,” he said. According to Alcaraz, exhibition events are less mentally taxing compared to the intense focus required for Grand Slam tournaments.
The Six Kings Slam, which features top players like Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, and Taylor Fritz, offers a significant payout of $1.5 million in appearance money and a $6 million winner's check. Alcaraz, who will face Fritz in the semifinals, admits that his ankle injury hasn't fully recovered, but he's looking to perform well in the event.
The Professional Tennis Players' Association (PTPA) has taken legal action against tennis governing bodies, citing an “unsustainable” scheduling situation. This move highlights the growing concerns about player welfare and the demands of the tennis calendar.
Recently, Carlos Alcaraz, the world No. 1 tennis player, withdrew from the Shanghai Masters after winning the Tokyo title while playing with an ankle injury. Alcaraz stated that he needed time to recover and prioritize his health. This decision showcases the physical toll tennis takes on players and the importance of managing their schedules to avoid further injuries.
Alcaraz after reaching the Six Kings Slam final.
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) October 16, 2025
"Really pleased about my level. I had fun and I hit some great shots. That was my goal before this match! I wanted to entertain. That's why we are here. I believe they like it!"
On his FH. "Sometimes I just hit as hard as I can" pic.twitter.com/VA1qV9yiSG
Carlos Alcaraz's decision to participate in the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Saudi Arabia has drawn criticism from fans. The event offers a reported $1.5 million in appearance money, with a potential $6 million prize for the winner.
Alcaraz defended his choice, explaining that exhibition events differ significantly from official tournaments. “It's a different format, different situation playing exhibitions than official tournaments, 15-16 days in a row, having such a high focus and demanding physically,” he said. Alcaraz emphasized that exhibitions allow him to have fun and play tennis without the intense pressure and physical demands of Grand Slam tournaments.
Carlos Alcaraz is set to participate in the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Saudi Arabia, alongside other top players like Jannik Sinner. Alcaraz recently explained why he enjoys playing in exhibition events, saying, “We're just having fun for one or two days and playing some tennis, and that's great, and why we choose the exhibitions.”
Sinner, the reigning champion of the event, joins Alcaraz in Riyadh after his early exit in Shanghai due to cramp. The exhibition event promises to deliver high-quality tennis, with the world's best players competing in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
Carlos Alcaraz is set to face Taylor Fritz in the semi-finals of the Six Kings Slam after receiving a bye to the next round. Alcaraz admitted that his ankle injury hasn't fully healed, saying, “I don't feel 100% and the doubts are there when I'm moving on court, but it has improved a lot and I'm going to compete and perform well in the Six Kings Slam.”
“I understand (the criticism), but sometimes people don't understand us, our opinions,” Alcaraz added. “It's not really demanding mentally (compared to) when we're having such long events like two weeks or two and a half weeks.”
“Yes, I want to sit at the table with the Big Three. … But from what I’ve experienced, I’d choose happiness over massive success. Because happiness is already success” - Carlos Alcaraz 🥺❤️ pic.twitter.com/OV9WGTKcDH
— Netflix (@netflix) June 9, 2025
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