Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish tennis sensation and current world No. 3, has found himself at the center of a lively debate in the tennis world. With just a month remaining until the 2025 Australian Open, Alcaraz has taken an unconventional route by participating in multiple exhibition matches in the United States. While some hail these events as opportunities to connect with fans and earn lucrative payouts, others question the impact on his preparation for the year’s first Grand Slam.
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A Busy December for Carlos Alcaraz
Alcaraz’s December schedule has been anything but quiet. He recently faced Ben Shelton in a star-studded match at Madison Square Garden, reportedly earning a staggering $2 million for the appearance. Days later, he traveled to North Carolina to compete against Frances Tiafoe in the Charlotte Invitational. These exhibitions have drawn packed crowds and showcased Alcaraz’s charisma, but they’ve also sparked debate among players and commentators.
Former world No. 13 Sam Querrey weighed in on the topic during the Nothing Major Podcast, expressing mixed feelings. “I have two thoughts,” Querrey admitted. “Players always complain about how long and packed the season is, and then they go and play these exhibitions in the offseason.”
Querrey’s co-host, John Isner, shared similar sentiments, pointing out the contradiction of participating in extra events while complaining about the demanding ATP calendar.
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Exhibition Matches: A Double-Edged Sword
Exhibition matches have become a staple in tennis, offering players a chance to connect with fans, stay competitive, and earn extra income. However, they also raise questions about workload management and preparation for high-stakes tournaments. Alcaraz, for instance, played four exhibition matches in 2024, in addition to the Laver Cup in September, adding to an already grueling schedule.
Alcaraz himself has previously voiced concerns about the packed ATP calendar. After competing in the Shanghai Masters, he remarked: “The tennis schedule is really dense. We’re often moving from one tournament to the next with just a day or two in between. It’s tough, but something we have to get used to.”
Critics argue that participating in exhibitions, despite their entertainment value, undermines these complaints. Querrey pointed out: “While these matches are great for the fans, it’s hard to sympathize when players willingly increase their workload.”
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The Fans’ Perspective
While professionals debate the merits of exhibition matches, fans appear to love them. The match at Madison Square Garden drew over 19,000 spectators, eager to watch Alcaraz battle the charismatic Shelton. Similarly, the Charlotte Invitational delivered a thrilling spectacle, with Tiafoe donning a Charlotte Hornets jersey to energize the crowd.
“Both events were fantastic,” Querrey admitted. “Alcaraz and Shelton were magnetic at Madison Square Garden, and the crowd loved it. Tiafoe brought his usual flair in Charlotte—it was a great show.”
Isner echoed these sentiments, noting the undeniable appeal of Alcaraz’s star power. “The fact that these events sold out so quickly speaks volumes about Alcaraz’s draw. He’s one of the biggest names in tennis, and people want to see him play, no matter the stakes.”
Balancing Entertainment and Preparation
As Alcaraz gears up for the Australian Open, starting January 12, the question remains: do these exhibition matches enhance or hinder his chances of Grand Slam success? Supporters argue that they keep players match-ready, while critics fear they may lead to fatigue or injuries.
Querrey, a fan of the exhibitions, admitted he’d still prefer watching competitive matches in major tournaments. “I’d rather see a third-round match on Arthur Ashe at the US Open than an exhibition. But events like these are good for tennis overall.”
Alcaraz’s decision to participate in these exhibitions reflects the modern tennis landscape, where players must balance competitive ambitions with commercial opportunities. His busy December may divide opinions, but it underscores his growing status as one of the sport’s brightest stars.
