"If you want to play less, stay home” - Felix Auger-Aliassime says players have 'lost perspective' after Carlos Alcaraz & more's schedule complaints

Felix Auger-Aliassime recently defended the ATP calendar from criticism. Amidst the past few months, several top stars, including the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz, have spoken out against the lengthy tournament schedule, but Auger-Aliassime stated that he feels players have ‘lost perspective’.

The ATP schedule currently runs from early January till late November. During these 11 months, top ranked players on the tour are compulsorily required to compete in all four Grand Slams, as well as eight Masters 1000 tournaments and seven ‘best other’ events. In recent months, as several players deal with injuries and exhaustion, the likes of Alcaraz, Fritz, Jack Draper, Alex de Minaur, Casper Ruud have stated that the tournament season is simply too long.

Recently, in a press conference at the ATP Finals, Felix Auger-Aliassime shared his thoughts on the matter, saying,

“I don't know how guys don't enjoy it, to be honest. I think they lost perspective completely. I get that you can get tired. I'm tired, too. I do trips around and I go see different circumstances around the world. I mean, we're just lucky and blessed. In my humble opinion, every day I wake up and I enjoy. I enjoy that I'm here. Even if I lose matches, it's okay, I'm pissed for a day. I don't know. If you want to play less tournaments, stay home. Nobody's forcing you to be here.”

Alongside Auger-Aliassime, Jannik Sinner has also refused to criticize the ATP schedule, previously stating that players can ‘still choose’ what events they compete in.

Felix Auger-Aliassime through to maiden semifinals at ATP Finals

Auger-Aliassime at the Nitto ATP Finals 2025 (Image Source: Getty)

Felix Auger-Aliassime is currently in action at the ATP Finals. The Canadian kicked off his campaign in Turin with a clash against Jannik Sinner, going down 5-7, 1-6 to the Italian. After this disappointing loss, Auger-Aliassime was quick to turn his fortunes around, defeating American Ben Shelton in a gruelling three-set battle, before ousting Alexander Zverev in straight sets to make it out of the group stage matches for the first time in his career.

Up next, Felix Auger-Aliassime will now take on Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals of the ATP Tour Finals. The duo have previously played each other seven times before, with Alcaraz having won four of their most recent encounters. Even if Auger-Aliassime fails to make it past the semifinals, his run in Turin ensures that he will reach a new career high rank of World No.5.

Edited by Riddhi Acharya