Just In: Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner ‘Forced’ to Take Breaks as ATP Schedule Takes Its Toll
Although marked by injuries in 2026, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner continue to wage an intense battle at the top of world tennis.
Rick Macci believes that the two men must absolutely learn to take more time off from the tour. For the former coach of Serena Williams, these breaks should not be seen as a comfort choice, but as a necessity to preserve their longevity.
In a message published on social media, the American pointed to an increasingly demanding schedule and particularly physically taxing playing styles.
‘They have to take breaks, whether they like it or not’
‘Alcaraz and Sinner must take extended breaks, not because they want to, but because they are forced to,’ wrote Rick Macci.
According to him, the density of the ATP calendar no longer leaves enough time for the best players to recover properly between tournaments.
‘The schedule is tighter than most rackets are strung,’ he added with his usual flair for the memorable phrase.
Macci also insists on the evolution of modern tennis. Alcaraz and Sinner impose an intensity and violence in movement rarely seen before.
‘Tennis has become pinball on steroids’
To describe this new generation, the American coach believes that the two champions play tennis of extreme intensity.
‘These two players move so violently that the sport has never seen anything like it. The game has become a sort of pinball on steroids,’ he illustrated.
A way to highlight the physical constraints placed on Alcaraz and Sinner, whose changes of direction, accelerations, and high-intensity shots put enormous strain on their bodies.
Macci thus believes that the number of injuries has reached a particularly worrying level in professional tennis.
‘Injuries are at a historically high level,’ he wrote.
Schedule management, a key factor in their longevity
Rick Macci considers that the two players, as well as their respective teams, already know what to do. The scheduling of their season and their ability to make the right choices will be decisive in avoiding premature wear and tear.
‘These guys and their teams know the procedure. Scheduling and intelligence in choices will be the X factor for their longevity,’ he explained.
The American also believes that more frequent withdrawals from the two stars could have a positive effect on the entire tour. By skipping certain tournaments, Alcaraz and Sinner could indirectly push the ATP to review its organization.
A possible shock to the ATP circuit?
‘If these two players start missing more events, maybe the circuit will completely change its strategy and become more player-friendly throughout the year. We could then see the quality of the spectacle reach a new level,’ Macci concluded.
Through this stance, Rick Macci does not question the commitment of the two champions, but warns of the consequences of an ever-denser schedule. For him, preserving Alcaraz and Sinner could also allow men’s tennis to guarantee a better quality spectacle in the long term.
