Carlos Alcaraz has been criticised for playing exhibitions while claiming the calendar is demanding (Image: Getty)
’s coach has leapt to his defence ahead of his exhibition match in Puerto Rico. The world No. 3 has faced criticism for playing too many exhibitions, given how vocal he’s been about the demanding tennis calendar.
Andy Roddick has been among those who believes Alcaraz can’t complain about the schedule if he uses his time off to play extra matches for fun. But Juan Carlos Ferrero insists exhibitions can’t be compared to real competition. Alcaraz has not played a match since the Qatar Open, where he suffered a disappointing defeat to Jiri Lehecka in the quarter-final.
Instead of heading straight to California for his Indian Wells title defence, the 21-year-old has arrived in Puerto Rico to face Frances Tiafoe in an exhibition match this weekend.
They will also hold a children’s clinic on Saturday, and Olympic champion Monica Puig will be involved in the event.
While some have questioned Alcaraz’s preparation for Indian Wells, his coach, former world No. 1 Ferrero, believes it’s good for the world No. 3 to relax before a big tournament.
“Exhibitions help you relax a little bit; you play in other ways,” Ferrero told .
Carlos Alcaraz faced Frances Tiafoe in another exhibition match last December (Image: Getty)
Just in
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
“At the end of the day, you play at a very high level of demand and playing this type of match, with a little more smile, a spectacle for the spectators, always helps you relax a little bit.”
Alcaraz is also looking forward to his first time in Puerto Rico. “I really wanted to be here, so I am very happy,” he said.
“I came to have a good time and for the people of Puerto Rico to enjoy it, in addition to getting to know the country and taking away a good experience of Puerto Rico.
“It is very nice to come to a country where Spanish is spoken; it will be nice to hear their support. Every time I play in front of a Latin audience, it is an amazing experience.”
It’s not the first time Alcaraz has faced Tiafoe in an exhibition match. In December, the pair played a light-hearted event in Charlotte. Alcaraz also faced Ben Shelton in another exho at Madison Square Garden.
At the end of the 2024 season, the four-time Grand Slam champion said the calendar was . So his participation in the exhibition events caused a stir.
“I get the criticism of, ‘don’t complain [about the schedule] and then go play exhibitions.’ I’m not going to tell you that’s wrong because I think it too,” Andy Roddick said on his podcast.
“I don’t want to hear about it in Australia if he’s not feeling great. That’s it. I don’t want to hear about it.”
Meanwhile, ATP CEO Andrea Gaudenzi told L’Equipe: “Players choose to play many exhibitions outside the circuit. We don’t see that in other sports. The question is whether you want to invest in the circuit or outside the circuit.”