Ex-NCAA champ explains why Carlos Alcaraz is facing unfair criticism for playing exhibitions

Ex-NCAA champion Steve Johnson discussed why Carlos Alcaraz getting backlash seems irrelevant, as there's a big difference between playing a competitive match and a one-day exhibition match, where he has fewer chances to get hurt and also engage the crowd.

Carlos Alcaraz was unstoppable on the court this year, playing most of the tournaments as No. 2 but ultimately working his way to the top spot during his ATP Finals campaign. He extended his Grand Slam win to six at the US Open, setting the second-best single-season win-loss record and becoming the second-youngest player to win Major titles on three different surfaces.

The Spaniard was also scheduled to play at the 2025 Davis Cup but withdrew due to right hamstring pain. However, he will head to the US to play two exhibition matches, a decision that drew backlash from fans.

In a recent Nothing Major podcast episode, former US player Steve Johnson said that criticizing Alcaraz seemed irrelevant, as the Spaniard had made the right decision: exhibition matches are less strenuous and carry a lower risk of injury. He also noted that the sport is growing, with more people turning up for exhibition events because of the Spaniard.

"People are giving Carlos obviously, a whole like a hard time for him pulling out of Davis Cup, you know but still playing this. I think that's insane. There is a vast difference between a competitive match and an exhibition, like if you're healthwise, Carlos does not like the fact that he actually went to Davis Cup and like tried to play. I thought it was a massive win for him. I just feel like like it's in an exhibition you can guard yourself enough to where it's you're not going to get hurt and you know I think so I just I don't like when people you know he's doing this to obviously he's getting paid but like he's growing the game right like these exhibitions where people might not be able to go, get a chance to go watch him play." (20:07 onwards)

Carlos Alcaraz was a finalist at the year-end Championships, but fell to Jannik Sinner for the second time in a row.

Carlos Alcaraz talked about playing exhibition matches despite complaining about the tight ATP schedule

Carlos Alcaraz at the Nitto ATP Finals 2025 - Day 7 - Source: Getty

Carlos Alcaraz has often complained about the packed ATP schedule, withdrawing from the Madrid Open, National Bank Open, and Shanghai Masters, citing health issues. He also sat out of the Davis Cup for the same reason, but will appear for the exhibition matches.

The Spaniard acknowledged the criticisms he received and lightheartedly silenced them by explaining why he made the decision.

"First of all, it's normal that people think that way, and they don't understand why we're complaining about the calendar and then we set up the exhibition matches," he said in an Associated Press interview.

"But for me, the main difference is that, at a tournament, you've got to keep your focus, and it's really physically and mentally demanding for one week and a half. And an exhibition is just one day. You just stay focused, just warm up, just practice not that much — for one match."

Carlos Alcaraz will face off against Frances Tiafoe at Prudential Center on December 7, 2025.