Carlos Alcaraz accused of not following Federer, Nadal, Djokovic & Sinner-model by ex-US Open finalist

Carlos Alcaraz has been accused of not following the Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner approved model by ex-US Open finalist Greg Rusedski. Amidst his controversial split with Juan Carlos Ferrero, Rusedski has zeroed in on the Spaniard's commitment to exhibitions as a problematic choice.

Alcaraz, the ATP's top ranked men's singles player at the moment, enjoyed a lengthy 2025 season. However, while some of his fellow players, including rival Jannik Sinner, opted to focus on rest and rejuvenation during the off-season, the 22-year-old has participated in several exhibition events over the past few weeks.

Recently, during an episode of his Off Court with Greg podcast, former World No.4 Greg Rusedski stated that Carlos Alcaraz's refusal to dedicate his off season entirely to rest and practice might have played a role in his break-up with coach Juan Carlos Ferrero.

“Take Jannik Sinner, for example. He withdrew from the Davis Cup Finals and isn’t playing any exhibition matches. He’s preparing for the new season. When Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic were at their peak, you didn’t see them playing many exhibition matches. The off-season is a crucial time of year to prepare for the new season, but Carlos is at an age where he thinks he can keep going and that nothing will happen to him. That might not be the case,” Rusedski said.

Alcaraz has previously faced scrutiny for his extensive participation in exhibition matches despite his complaints about the lengthy tournament calendar. For his part, the Spaniard has maintained that exhibition matches are not taxing for him mentally or physically, unlike official competitions.

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner to kick off 2026 season with South Korea exhibition match

Alcaraz and Sinner at the Nitto ATP Finals 2025 (Image Source: Getty)

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are the two undoubted kings of men's singles at the moment. The duo have won nine out of the last ten Grand Slams and they currently hold the top two positions in the ATP Calendar.

As the 2026 season beckons, Alcaraz and Sinner are set to kick off their year with a face-off against each other that will take place right before the Australian Open.

On January 10, the duo will lock horns in an exhibition battle in South Korea. A week later they will begin their campaigns at the Australian Open. Carlos Alcaraz will be in the hunt for his maiden title at the event, while Sinner looks to defend his trophy.

Edited by Riddhi Acharya