Former world No. 4 Greg Rusedski has delivered a pointed message to Carlos Alcaraz: stop grumbling about the ATP calendar and start taking bold control of your tournament choices. According to Rusedski, Alcaraz’s financial security affords him the freedom to skip events that don’t suit him, without worrying about prize money or appearance fees.
Alcaraz recently expressed discontent with the drawn-out 12-day format of ATP 1000 events, sparking speculation about his commitment to media duties at the Shanghai Masters, interpreted as a subtle form of protest. While ATP 1000 tournaments require mandatory participation from top-ranked players-who, in turn, forgo appearance fees-Alcaraz’s lucrative guaranteed payout at the Japan Open, coupled with his title-winning prize money there, made Tokyo a far more profitable stop than Shanghai. His Shanghai campaign ended prematurely with a loss to Belgium’s Zizou Bergs.
Rusedski, speaking on his podcast, urged Alcaraz to prioritize enjoyment and smart scheduling over chasing all mandatory events and the accompanying ATP bonus pool, which rewards players competing in every marquee ATP 1000 stop. “He has the choice whether he wants to play or not, but he doesn’t get the bonus pool money,” Rusedski said. “Don’t worry about the prize money, Carlos. You’ve got enough money. That’s not the problem. It’s more about the ranking, but it’s also about scheduling correctly as well.”
Highlighting the dense post-US Open schedule-Laver Cup, Tokyo, then Shanghai-Rusedski emphasized the importance of balance. “You have the choice to play the 500, to play Laver Cup, or to take those weeks off and prepare for Shanghai. So it’s trying that combination,” he explained. “You don’t always have to take the appearance money. You can find a way around the schedule. I mean, last year I think he made $60 million (including sponsorship). That’s enough for a lifetime. So I think he’s okay. So let’s just get the balance right.”
Rusedski further recommended that Alcaraz study the scheduling philosophies of tennis legends Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. “Federer, throughout his career, played 12 events a year. He won seven of them, and his ranking was one or two, and he was winning majors,” he noted. “So for Carlos, play less. It’s as simple as that. Don’t worry about the mandatory events and sometimes take the fines or loss of points and find a balance.”
He also pointed to Alcaraz’s current coach Juan Carlos Ferrero’s valuable experience managing a playing schedule, contrasting it with the less seasoned input from Sammy Lopez. “Juan Carlos Ferrero has more experience than Sammy Lopez… It’s all about getting that balance of preparation just right, especially when you’re at the very, very top of the tree. Novak Djokovic has done the same in his career. He has always got his schedule right.”
Rusedski concluded with a powerful reminder of Alcaraz’s standing: “Carlos is such a big name that it doesn’t matter what his ranking is, and whether he loses money here or he loses certain points. So find the scheduling that works for you and makes you happy. The better you feel, the better you’re going to play, the better your schedule, the better your results.”
Acknowledging the financial temptations that come with playing week after week, Rusedski was unequivocal: “If it means not playing Laver Cup or an ATP 500, then he has to skip those events.” The message is clear-Alcaraz must take control, emulate the strategic brilliance of Federer and Djokovic, and stop complaining to unlock his true potential.