Footballers have long voiced concerns over the congested schedules they face, and with the recent updates to the UEFA Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup formats, along with a rise in international matches, players may find themselves participating in over 70 games in a single season.
This issue extends beyond football, with tennis players also raising alarms, including Spain’s world No. 3, Carlos Alcaraz.
After his win against American Ben Shelton at the Laver Cup, Alcaraz highlighted the overwhelming demands of the schedule, noting that this tournament marked his fourteenth of the year. He warned that such a heavy workload increases the risk of injuries, which could lead to missed tournaments and affect players’ motivation. Alcaraz admitted to feeling unmotivated at times.
“They’re probably going to kill us somehow. Many good players are missing tournaments because of injuries. Sometimes, I just don’t want to go to a tournament. I won’t lie—I’ve felt that way a few times. I play my best tennis when I’m smiling and enjoying myself on the court,” he told BBC.
Related News
This year, Alcaraz claimed titles at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon, and he also earned a silver medal at the Paris Olympics.
In football, players are already threatening strikes over scheduling issues, while coaches are actively seeking ways to alleviate the burden, publicly supporting their players’ concerns.
