Despite defeating Jannik Sinner 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, Carlos Alcaraz couldn’t help but lament. While he did bask in the glory of his second US Open title and sixth Grand Slam as much as he could, the nagging thought of being back to a brutal ATP schedule just wouldn’t leave his mind. The result? The 22-year-old opening up about his woes once again…

According to German R. Abril, a Spanish journalist, Carlos pointed out the poor schedule as ‘bad things about tennis’, which does not even allow him to celebrate the grand win. “[Translated from Spanish] One of the few bad things about tennis is that it never stops. You win something and you practically have one day or no day to enjoy the success. For me, it’s important to cherish what I win with my people,” German shared Carlos’ comments on X.

Post his massive win, the 22-year-old also shared the lesson he has learned this year during this hectic schedule. The Spaniard has been focusing on cherishing the limited time he has been getting to celebrate with his friends and family. “So what I learned mostly this year is about to take moments of every tournament, every experience that you’re living, and enjoy. And enjoy with my team, with my family, with the people you have around,” Jack Otway of Great Britain News added. On that note, Alcaraz must prepare for what comes next.

Though the 2025 Grand Slam tournaments have ended, the tennis tour rolls on. Up next is the Asian swing. Then comes the Six Kings Slam, where Carlos and the other top six will battle it out, followed by the Paris Masters, and finally the year-end ATP Finals. Some players might hit exhibitions or catch a breath, but the break is brief before next season kicks off. The grind never really stops.

This isn’t the first time Alcaraz has voiced concerns about the demanding tennis calendar. One of his most notable remarks came at the 2024 Laver Cup, after he had already played 50 singles matches that season. He candidly shared, “The calendar’s so tight. A lot of tournaments … not as many days off as I want.” Then, with a touch of humor but seriousness, he added, “Probably during the next few years, it’s going to be even more mandatory tournaments. Probably they’re gonna kill us in some way.” 

Additionally, sports journalist Jose Morgado reported on X that Carlos Alcaraz has officially withdrawn from Spain’s Davis Cup tie against Denmark next weekend in Marbella on clay. Marcel Granollers, who had a big year with doubles titles at the US Open and Roland Garros, is doubtful due to injury and might also miss the tie.

Right now, Spain’s lineup will feature Jaume Munar, Roberto Carballés Baena, and Pablo Carreno Busta after Alejandro Davidovich Fokina also withdrew from the tournament. Veteran David Ferrer will lead the Spanish team to face the Denmark side for an exciting clay-court battle, which consists of Johannes Ingildsen, Holger Rune, and Elmer Møller.

And even though the Spaniard may have occasionally joked about the scheduling woes, Alcaraz knows the reality all too well. The tennis calendar is undeniably grueling, a fact even Novak Djokovic has spoken out about.

During Wimbledon, Djokovic reflected on why players are increasingly worn down: “If you want to reach the highest heights, you have to transform your entire life in service of tennis and sport. You lose yourself…” And while Carlos is revisiting the hectic tour schedule, the Spaniard seemed to have gotten the hang of it last month.

Tennis schedule left Carlos Alcaraz unbothered before his US Open win

On August 1, during a chat with the Financial Times before the US Open, the 22-year-old Spaniard was asked about his packed schedule. Alcaraz kept it cool and clear: “I really enjoy playing tennis. It’s my passion, it’s what I chose, it’s what I love.” But he added, playing nonstop without breaks can dull that fire. “If you play every day and you don’t have a break for yourself, to disconnect, that excitement kind of fades. So I always try to find moments of fun – of wanting to live.”

The clay and grass court seasons had the Spaniard running full throttle. Yet, after Wimbledon, he wisely pressed pause. He skipped the Citi Open and the National Bank Open to recharge. But don’t think he’s shy about the grind. He’s been vocal about the relentless schedule. “A lot of good players are going to miss a lot of tournaments because of that [injury],” he said. And, getting real, he admitted, “Sometimes, you don’t want to go to a tournament. I’m not going to lie – I have felt this way a few times already.”

Despite feeling the pressure and occasional burnout, Alcaraz stays sharp by enjoying the game. “I play my best tennis when I smile and enjoy it on court. That’s the best option to keep motivating [myself],” he confessed. After Cincinnati, he jumped straight into mixed doubles and then stormed into his US Open campaign. Talk about stamina!

He’s already hit the courts for 14 tournaments this season, and there’s no sign of slowing down. The big question now: will he bounce back refreshed after this incredible final? What do you think? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!