With the 2024 season nearing its end, we have seen different emotions take center stage this year. However, nothing was quite like Carlos Alcaraz’s direct jab at the ATP after he complained that the hectic schedule would probably ‘kill’ the players. While much has been talked about, there appeared to be tensions brewing between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in this matter. The Italian star didn’t agree with Alcaraz’s comments, while the latter admitted that it depended on individuals. To make matters worse, their fans also clashed on this topic even as tensions eased between the two players.

Earlier today, Sinner and Alcaraz came face to face with each other in a gym at the China Open. The duo is in Beijing where they will be seen in action at the ATP 500 China Open. While Alcaraz had an off day, Sinner played his first-round match against Nicolas Jarry and won it. In the video shared by a journalist on Twitter, Alcaraz is seen exercising in the gym when Sinner walks in. Spotting Alcaraz, the Italian star smiled and greeted him. The two even shared a few words and laughed out as tensions seemed to have eased off between them.

However, it was the duo’s fans who added fuel to the fire amid the controversy. After Sinner countered Alcaraz’s claims of a hectic schedule, the latter’s fans hit out at him for missing important tournaments like the Olympic Games. One of the fans mentioned, “Yeah, such as skipping Olympics so you get to play tournaments that give you more money and ranking points,” while another took a brutal dig at him by saying that he became arrogant and rich too fast and needs to remember his roots. It all began after Sinner suggested that the players could choose tournaments and rubbished Alcaraz’s claims.

Jannik Sinner cites enough choices to balance the hectic schedule

Both Alcaraz and Sinner have played months of non-stop tennis. One has to be physically and mentally strong to survive a grueling schedule. However, after Alcaraz complained about the scheduling of tournaments, many suggested that he should avoid playing in the exhibition tournaments. Sinner seconded that opinion and felt that players could choose the match they wanted to play.

Asked about what he thought of Alcaraz’s complaints about the tennis calendar, Sinner said, “The schedule is quite long these years. But we players, can still choose what to play and what not to play. We have some mandatory events, yes. As a player, you can still choose. You don’t have to play a tournament. If you want, you can play. If not, you don’t play. For example last year and also this year, I didn’t play some tournaments because I wanted to practice. There are some choices behind this.”

However, with the latest visuals easing the tensions between the two players, it looks like all is well again. Nonetheless, Alcaraz and Sinner are the top two seeds in the China Open and among the favorites to win the title here.