The tennis world is gearing up for the 49th Erste Bank Open in Vienna and the 52nd Swiss Indoors in Basel this October. However, the World No.2 Carlos Alcaraz‘s surprising fee demand has led Vienna Open organizers to make a difficult decision. Between stunning appearance fees and health woes, the behind-the-scenes story is as fascinating as any on-court action. Can the young star find a balance between market value and his well-being?
Carlos Alcaraz has stormed the tennis globe, clinching two Grand Slams and securing the No. 1 spot in 2022. But why has the Spanish sensation been notably missing from this month’s Swiss Indoors in Basel & Vienna? Alcaraz’s high market value and a recent tournament withdrawal paint an interesting narrative.
Carlos Alcaraz’s skyrocketing $800k fee sidelines him from Vienna Open showdown
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The approaching tennis calendar presents an exclusive challenge for fans and players alike, with the 49th edition of the Erste Bank Open in Vienna and the 52nd Swiss Indoors in Basel running simultaneously from 23rd to 29th October 2023. However, the tournaments will be missing an important name this year – the world’s number 2 ranked player, Carlos Alcaraz.
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Amid the clash of titans in both the tournaments, Alcaraz’s absence from both tournaments raised eyebrows. The young star’s massive $800k appearance fee for tournaments forced Vienna Open organizers to sideline him. However, the Vienna Open, known for its careful allocating and mindful player selection, found the fee to be beyond what they were willing to assign for a single player, regardless of star power. TSH Tennis’s recent Instagram post highlighted the young Spaniard’s expanding market value and the coming challenges for tournament budgets.
The balance between player market worth, the physical demands of the sport, and the complex scheduling of international tennis competitions are all topics of discussion. Alcaraz is a rising star, and his most recent performance demonstrated his abilities and the reason why he charges $800K for a tournament appearance.
Basel, however, presents a distinct story. Alcaraz’s withdrawal from the Swiss Indoors is attributed to fitness concerns – muscle fatigue, a troublesome lower back, and a left foot injury.
What is going on with Carlos Alcaraz?
Carlos Alcaraz is a two-time Grand Slam champion at the age of 20. He achieved the No. 1 position in 2022. Alcaraz is the first to gain 60 tour-level wins in 2023. The Spaniard has won 12 ATP Tour singles championships, with four Masters 1000 titles. However, the past few months have been tough on the former world No.1’s body. He recently withdrew from the Shanghai Masters at the round 16 stage and this month?s Swiss indoor championship in Basel. In his absence, it is a big chance for the others to shine.
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The Erste Bank Open, an ATP 500 event held at Vienna’s considered Wiener Stadthalle, boasts a rich history, with the likes of Daniil Medvedev and a promising pool including Jannik Sinner, Andrey Rublev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Alexander Zverev competing for the title this year. Simultaneously, the Swiss Indoors in Basel, another important ATP 500 occurrence, gears up for a thrilling week of tennis. Felix Auger-Aliassime, last season’s winner, stands with the favorites Taylor Fritz, Hubert Hurkacz, Alex de Minaur, Casper Ruud, and Holger Rune all ready to challenge.
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As Vienna and Basel tournaments unfold, the void left by Carlos Alcaraz looms large. His growing market value clashes with the sport’s economic existence, leaving fans evaluating: In an era of high fees and fitness concerns what truly decides a player’s worth?
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