Carlos Alcaraz believes tennis’ relentless schedule is “going in the wrong direction” and feels players are being “pushed” to feature in too many tournaments.

The world No 3, who will play his Shanghai Masters opener on Saturday, was speaking two days after successfully defending the Japan Open for his third title of an injury hit year which saw him miss four-and-a-half months between April and August with a wrist issue.

World No 1 Jannik Sinner announced this week he has ended his season early due to a knee problem.

Alcaraz said: “One of the reasons we had to see the players who are getting injured, they [ATP officials] are pushing us too much out of the line sometimes to play a lot of tournaments, to play a lot of matches.

“It’s getting in the wrong direction.

“I just wish Jannik the best for these months, just to be in good shape for the next season.

“Hopefully see him soon, but they have to see a little bit what’s going on on the tour along with the players.”

Sky Sports News has contacted the ATP for a response to Alcaraz’s comments.

Djokovic: Sinner has to think long term

Sinner has not played since beating Alexander Zverev in the Wimbledon final in July.

Novak Djokovic, who claimed his 102nd career title at the China Open on Tuesday, said of the Italian calling time on his 2026 campaign: “He’s been the best player in the world, been a dominant force for the last couple of years along with Carlos [Alcaraz].

“For sure tennis misses him but at the same time he has to think long term.

“That’s smart because as someone that always tried to have the big picture ‌in my mind, I really support that kind of thinking and mindset.

“It’s important that you give yourself more years to your career so you have more chances to accomplish all of your ⁠objectives.

“If you’re away from the tour for so long and then make a comeback, you have to deal with more things than you normally have to deal with. You’re evaluating with your team constantly.

“When you get the green light to be able to compete, then it’s mental. You’re on the court and you’re thinking: ‘Am I really completely healed and free to make this run?’

“For him if it’s a knee, it’s affecting everything, affecting every single movement.”

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