Sabalenka joins Alcaraz in call for lighter schedule: Ready to sacrifice points to protect the body

Aryna Sabalenka is not just powering through the 2026 US Open like a champion. She is also using the season's last Grand Slam to deliver one of the strongest messages about the demands of the professional tennis calendar. Shortly after beating Kamilla Rakhimova 6-3, 6-4 in the third round, the world No. 1 from Belarus backed Carlos Alcaraz in calling for fewer mandatory events on the ATP and WTA tours — even if that means sacrificing ranking points to protect players' bodies. Speaking at a press conference in New York, Sabalenka said: “I would love to see changes in the schedule and to cut out the mandatory events and let the players decide what's better for their health.” She warned that if the tours do not act, top players will feel forced to skip tournaments in order to stay healthy. Her warning follows the wave of criticism started by Carlos Alcaraz. The Spaniard said the schedule is too demanding, plans to take longer breaks, and wants the ATP and WTA to reduce mandatory tournaments. If that does not happen, he declared he will sacrifice points and ranking position to protect himself. Sabalenka is sending almost the same message. The parallel is not surprising. Both Sabalenka and Alcaraz are among the rare players who perform consistently across surfaces and go deep in every major. Reaching the later rounds means playing more matches, travelling more, and carrying a heavier physical load than players who exit early. After her match, Sabalenka explained: “It's been super intense. Especially if you play at the level that Carlos is playing – basically very consistent – it's very tricky for the body.” The paradox is that their brilliance is exactly what makes them suffer. The system rewards consistency with ranking points, but that consistency wears down the players who compete most. Sabalenka has won 16 consecutive matches at the US Open, having lifted the trophy twice in a row, and she is still talking about the limits of the body. That shows the issue is not just a story for lower-ranked players; it is structural. The professional season now runs for almost 11 months, from January through November. Several 1000-level tournaments have expanded to 12-day formats, cramming the calendar even more. On top of four Grand Slams and mandatory 1000 events, leading players have to balance smaller tournaments, short breaks and constant travel between continents. The need to defend points makes it nearly impossible to rest without dropping in the standings. For Sabalenka, speaking out at the 2026 US Open is especially meaningful. She is defending her title and 2,000 ranking points for a Grand Slam champion. Her winning streak in New York is impressive, but it also means she must go through as many matches as possible. Her message is not coming from someone struggling; it is coming from someone at the very top who still feels the brutal demands of the tour. Fans may think players should simply manage their own schedules. In reality, the points system and mandatory-event rules leave them little choice. If they skip tournaments, they lose points, slip in the rankings, get tougher draws and risk losing sponsorship value. If they stay silent, they gamble with their health. Sabalenka and Alcaraz have made it clear they have reached a limit. Threatening to drop points, however, is a double-edged sword. For elite players, a falling ranking means harder draws and lower commercial appeal. But when the WTA world No. 1 and a top ATP star speak together, the threat becomes a real negotiating tool. The ATP and WTA understand that losing their star attractions would damage the commercial value of the whole tour. The 2026 US Open continues, but a bigger story is unfolding away from the court. Sabalenka and Alcaraz are not just chasing titles; they are asking for a fundamental change in how their sport operates. Will the two most powerful bodies in tennis listen before more stars are forced to take extended breaks? The rhythm of the ball remains steady, but behind it are bodies asking for rest. The biggest question now is not who will lift the trophy in New York, but how the calendar will change next season – and whether the sport's greatest players can save themselves for the long run ahead.