"If you're Sinner or Alcaraz, you have no need to play for money" - ATP Chairman tells players to fix hectic schedule themselves after criticism

ATP Chairman, Andrea Gaudenzi, discussed that players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, or those who rank higher, should not focus on guaranteed money but rather play up and adjust their schedule accordingly. This came after several players, including the Spaniard and Taylor Fritz, among others, complained about the hectic ATP calendar.

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have dominated the tennis courts this year, with the former winning eight singles titles and the Italian claiming five. Both have shared their views on the ATP Tour schedule, with Alcaraz calling it taxing and saying it takes a toll on players. Sinner, on the other hand, offered a more moderate perspective, acknowledging the long season but noting that players also have the liberty to choose their events.

As the top two players continue playing at the ATP Finals, the ATP Chairman emphasized that top-50 and top-100 players should focus on ranking points rather than money. When it's Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz, or someone winning Slams and Masters, they don't need to play the lower-ranked tournaments and wear themselves out.

"I don't think players should schedule with the guaranteed money as a priority. Players should be playing for ranking points and titles, especially if you are a top-50, top-100 player... If you're high, in my opinion, you shouldn't be playing down. If you're Sinner or Alcaraz, you have no need to play the 250s for money, because it doesn't fit within your ranking, and it's not your level. When you're winning slams and Masters, you should be really playing up," Andrea Gaudenzi said in a press conference in Turin.

Carlos Alcaraz sealed the No. 1 ranking after defeating Lorenzo Musetti in his final group stage match and advancing to the semifinals at the ATP Finals.

Carlos Alcaraz made his feelings known on Jannik Sinner's withdrawal from the Davis Cup

Alcaraz at the Nitto ATP Finals 2025 - Day 6 - Source: Getty

Carlos Alcaraz hasn't triumphed at the Davis Cup yet, while Sinner has won twice. This year, the Spaniard would be laser-focused on the trophy and also expressed pride in having the opportunity to represent his country. On the other hand, two-time winner Jannik Sinner withdrew from the tournament, drawing critical remarks.

In a recent press conference in Turin, the six-time Grand Slam champion said that his rival's withdrawal from the Davis Cup was reasonable, as he had won previously and would require some rest before the upcoming season.

"I would say it's normal for them because the season has been so long. They might keep it to have one more week to recover, to do vacation, to do pre-season, which is understandable. It's normal," the 22-year-old said.

If the Spaniard wins this year's ATP Finals, it will be his first triumph at the event.