Why is Carlos Alcaraz still playing after end of ATP season? Looking into this strange scheduling decision amid his own criticism about long calendar

Carlos Alcaraz featured at the ATP Finals last week. He reached the finals in Turin, but settled for a runner-up finish against Jannik Sinner. The Italian defeated him in two hours and 15 minutes, 7-6(4), 7-5.

While most have finished their season, Alcaraz is expected to be busy for the next few months. Despite his complaints about a hectic schedule, he will compete in a few events till the end of the year.

First, let's look at what the World No. 1 said about the ATP schedule last month.

"I can't answer with an exact number. But the amount of tournaments that we have to play I think is too high. We don't have such, you know, good period of time that we can practice, we can rest," Carlos Alcaraz said

"Even during the season, I think it's week after week after week and we don't have the chance to have a week just to prepare pretty well the tournaments or what we have ahead in the season." he added

Alcaraz has had a long season this year, amassing 71 wins from 80 matches. Apart from title-winning runs in Paris and New York, he also claimed the honors in Cincinnati, Monte-Carlo, and Rome.

Addressing the scheduling concerns, ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said it is difficult to create a calendar that suits every player. He expressed sympathy for Sinner and Alcaraz, who have reached the finals of many events this year.

“It’s complicated. I have sympathy, for example, Carlos and Jannik, who have been getting to the finals of every slam, playing very well at the Masters. For those players at the very top making so many points, it’s probably very difficult to play a full calendar,” ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said

Gaudenzi also pointed out that players choose to compete in exhibition events outside the official schedule. Both Alcaraz and Sinner took part in the Six Kings Slam, which is not part of the ATP calendar.

“Another problem that we have in our system, it is an open system. Players are independent contractors. If a player is attracted by money, they often play a lot also in the lower categories, and they also play exhibitions outside of our system, and they play team events," he added

Carlos Alcaraz next tournament: Where will the Spaniard play after the ATP Finals?

Alcaraz at the Nitto ATP Finals 2025 - Day 8 - Source: Getty

Carlos Alcaraz will lead Team Spain in the Davis Cup Finals. The tournament will begin on November 18, 2025.

Spain will begin their campaign against the Czech Republic in the quarterfinals. Here is the full team set to feature at the Davis Cup this year.

Team Spain

1) Carlos Alcaraz

2) Jaume Munar

3) Pedro Martínez

4) Marcel Granollers

5) Pablo Carreño

Led by Captain David Ferrer

Is Carlos Alcaraz expected to be busy after the Davis Cup Finals?

Alcaraz at the Davis Cup Finals - Source: Getty

Carlos Alcaraz is expected to keep himself busy in December. He will compete at the Miami Invitational on December 8 at loanDepot Park, an event featuring other stars as well from the tour.

Later in the month, Alcaraz will again feature in New Jersey for another exhibition. This event will include the likes of Frances Tiafoe, Emma Raducanu, and Amanda Anisimova.