WATCH: Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner bond during fun gym session at China Open in Beijing days after stating contrasting views over scheduling
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz were seen sharing a playful bond during a gym session at the China Open. This light exchange came after their recent disagreement over the demanding tour schedule, a concern raised by Alcaraz just days earlier.
Jannik Sinner has already begun his China Open campaign with a first-round win against Nicolás Jarry. The Italian lost the first set, 4-6, but won the next two sets 6-3, 6-1 to win the match. Meanwhile, Alcaraz has yet to begin his campaign in the Chinese capital. The Spaniard will face Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in their first-ever encounter on tour.
A few days ago, during his Laver Cup campaign, Carlos Alcaraz lamented the demanding ATP tour schedule, warning that if it continues like this, it could "kill" the players in the future.
"I’m the kind of player who think is a lot of tournaments during the year, mandatory tournaments, and probably during the next few years gonna be even more tournaments, more mandatory tournaments. So, I mean, probably they are going to kill us in some way," Alcaraz said.
While Jannik Sinner recognized the hectic scheduling, he subtly disagreed by highlighting that players can select which tournaments to participate in.
"Yeah, the schedule is quite long obviously these years. But we players, we can still choose what to play and what not to play. Obviously we have some mandatory events, yes. As a player, you can still choose. I think of that," Sinner said.
Days after their comments on the scheduling issues, Sinner and Alcaraz were seen sharing a playful exchange at a gym in Beijing. Watch the video sahred on X below:
While Sinner shared his views, Alcaraz later expressed his thoughts on the Italian's disagreement.
"He didn't complain as much": Carlos Alcaraz on Jannik Sinner's opinions about the scheduling
Carlos Alcaraz responded to Jannik Sinner's recent statements regarding the scheduling. In his pre-event press conference at the China Open, the Spaniard noted that many players have expressed concerns about the schedule. However, he acknowledged Sinner's relatively mild complaints on the issue.
"I've seen and I've heard a lot of players complain about the schedule, about the calendar as well. Didn't see after my words, after this I didn't hear, I didn't see people or players talk about that. I've seen it before, before my words. I hear about in Jannik's press conference here, he talk about it a little bit. He didn't complain as much as he did, he didn't complain big about the calendar," Carlos Alcaraz said.
The 21-year-old added that players have varying opinions on the tight calendar, with some expressing complaints while others may not share the same concerns.
"It depends as well about the players. Probably a few players, a lot of players are not going in my side; a lot of them going to be in my side complaining about the calendar, that it is so tight. It depend about the feelings of every players," he added.
Sinner, who has advanced to the second round of the ATP 500 event, will face either Stan Wawrinka or Roman Safiullin next. Meanwhile, if Alcaraz defeats Perricard, he will meet World No. 39 Tallon Griekspoor in the second round.
Jannik Sinner clinched the China Open title last year by defeating Daniil Medvedev in the final, while Alcaraz reached the semifinals before losing to Sinner.