Despite a deep run at the ATP Finals in Turin and a place in the semi-final, world no. 1 Carlos Alcaraz refuses to slow down. The Spaniard will lead his country at next week's Davis Cup Finals in Bologna.
Instead of withdrawing, like Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Musetti did, the 22-year-old is gearing up for another high-pressure week on an indoor court in Bologna.
Carlos' commitment to the national team remains unquestionable. However, his view of the competition's future is becoming increasingly clear. Alcaraz believes the Davis Cup carries a unique weight, standing apart from any individual tournament.
For the 22-year-old, Davis Cup brings unique atmosphere he considers one of the sport's greatest privileges. However, he does not see himself or fellow top players entering it every year.
In his view, the current format drains both players and the historic event itself. Carlos argued that the Davis Cup needs a structural rethink to survive and keep its importance.
The six-time Major winner stands for a rotation that would stage the competition every two or three years. That change would allow it to regain prestige it once had and allow players to commit without feeling stretched thin.
Alcaraz's message is straightforward and clear. He loves the Davis Cup, but the current format must evolve. The young gun heads to Bologna with national pride and high hopes. On the other hand, he hopes to spark the conversation tennis can no longer avoid.
"If I'm honest with you, I think the Davis Cup is one of those tournaments that you are not used to feeling and playing because you are performing for your country and alongside your teammates. It's totally different than regular tournaments.
I think it's one of the most privileged things you can do in our sport, representing your country. I agree that they have to do something with it, because I think it would be much better to play it once every two or three years.
That change would make the players commit more because it would become more special when you do not play it every year. I will play it this year, but it's not realistic to return every year.
I really want to win it one day, because it's a very important tournament. Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Musetti have won the Davis Cup, and it's normal to see them withdraw after a grueling season, requiring an extra week to recover.
In general, the organizers will have to do something to make the Davis Cup unique," Carlos Alcaraz said.
