Alcaraz explains why he constantly plays friendly matches to earn money

(Dan Tri) - Carlos Alcaraz has just accepted to play friendly matches at the end of the year and he explained his decision.

Responding to the press, Alcaraz expressed his personal opinion: “I understand why people are wondering. But friendly matches are completely different from official matches. In the ATP tournament, you have to stretch yourself for 10 days. Friendly matches are just one day, a little practice, one match, no stress.

Alcaraz plans to play friendly matches continuously in December (Photo: ATP).

Friendly matches can be fun and entertaining, but they can also be extremely serious. I often use friendly matches to test tactics and ways of playing that I haven't had time to implement during the season. When I'm happy, I play my best. Friendly matches help me get that feeling."

After announcing his withdrawal from the Davis Cup, Alcaraz is scheduled to play friendly matches in December. He will face Frances Tiafoe and Joao Fonseca in friendlies in the US, play mixed doubles with Jessica Pegula and Amanda Anisimova, and play an exhibition match with Jannik Sinner in South Korea ahead of the 2026 Australian Open.

Former world number one Jimmy Connors publicly mocked Alcaraz: “How many exhibition matches do you see Alcaraz play at the end of the year? This season is the time to make money, is it not enough that he has made that much money?”

Carlos Alcaraz ended the 2025 season as world number one, after losing to Jannik Sinner in the 2025 ATP Finals. He decided not to join Spain in the 2025 Davis Cup, which was won by host Italy.

This year, Carlos Alcaraz won Roland Garros, the US Open, three ATP Masters 1000 tournaments including Monte Carlo Masters, Rome Masters and Cincinnati Open, and three ATP 500 tournaments including Rotterdam Open, Queen's Club Championship and Japan Open. The Spanish star won 71 matches, lost 9 matches and won 8 titles.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/alcaraz-ly-giai-ve-viec-lien-tuc-thi-dau-giao-huu-de-kiem-tien-20251203091034330.htm