World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz clinched his first Japan Open title on Tuesday, edging American Taylor Fritz in straight sets at the Ariake Colosseum. Fresh off a Laver Cup defeat to Fritz days earlier, Alcaraz displayed his trademark intensity to seal victory and extend his remarkable season.
Yet amid the celebrations, the Spaniard used his post-match press conference to question the growing string of mandatory tournaments on both tours.
What Did Carlos Alcaraz Say After His Japan Open Victory?
Alcaraz delivered a composed performance against Fritz, securing a 6-4, 6-4 victory to claim the Japan Open crown. It marked his eighth tour-level title of the season and his 24th career singles trophy. The early exchanges were tight during the match, but Alcaraz broke for 5-4 in the first set and maintained his momentum.
In the second set, Fritz battled through a thigh issue before succumbing to Alcaraz’s relentless forehand.
After lifting the trophy, Alcaraz addressed scheduling demands during his post-match press conference. “I think that the schedule is really tight,” he said, acknowledging the physical toll on players. He argued that the proliferation of mandatory events leaves little room for rest: “They put in some rules that we have to play Masters 1000s, 500 tournaments, whatever it is. But there are too many rules that we, as tennis players, are not allowed to have a choice if we have to play or not.”
Showing solidarity with Iga Świątek’s recent protest, he added, “I agree with Iga and I think a lot of players are gonna do that.” The Spaniard admitted that maintaining peak condition might require skipping some tournaments:
“To be honest, I have to consider in the future if I have to skip some mandatory tournaments just to maintain my physical condition and good shape. Mentally, it’s really demanding as well.”
Carlos Alcaraz says there are too many mandatory tournaments, ‘I agree with Iga’
I think that the schedule is really tight. They have to do something with the schedule. I think there are too many mandatory tournaments, too many in a row. They put in some rules that we have to… pic.twitter.com/p4QHa0S005
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 30, 2025
He stressed that the decision would benefit both his body and mind, hinting at a possible shift in how top players manage their seasons.
Iga Świątek’s Recent Claims and the Demanding Tennis Schedule
Świątek’s recent outburst at the China Open highlighted similar frustrations. The six-time Grand Slam champion described the season as “long” and “intense,” criticizing WTA rules that compel players to enter every Grand Slam, ten WTA 1000 events, and six WTA 500 tournaments.
“Maybe I will have to choose some tournaments and skip them, even though they are mandatory,” Świątek told reporters, calling the rules “pretty crazy.”
The grueling hard-court swing, from the Washington Open to the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Open through the US Open, then the China Open and Japan Open, and the back-to-back commitments with the Shanghai Masters looming in a few days and the Paris Masters at month’s end, has taken a toll on players’ mental and physical health.
