Alcaraz on late finishes, missing Sinner and Laver Cup return

At the US Open, Carlos Alcaraz voiced concern over the tournament’s late‑night scheduling after his match against Ben Shelton stretched into the early hours, describing the situation as excessive. The Shelton encounter marked the latest finish in the event’s history and was one of several matches at Flushing Meadows that concluded after midnight. Alexander Zverev wrapped up three of his first five contests at 1 am, while Venus Williams completed her opening‑round match at 2 am. Alcaraz remarked, “I deliberation it's excessively much,” Alcaraz said of playing truthful late. “The past lucifer radical stayed but if that lucifer was played earlier, the tribunal could person been packed.” “I would similar to alteration the docket a small with a maximum decorativeness astatine 11pm oregon immoderate would beryllium better.” At 23, Alcaraz is among a group of players who have missed substantial portions of the season because of injury. Britain’s Jack Draper has endured a prolonged elbow issue, ending his campaign early to recuperate, while Alcaraz’s rival Jannik Sinner withdrew from the US Open with a knee problem. Regarding his own schedule, Alcaraz stated, “He volition miss immoderate tournaments successful the aboriginal to let himself to beryllium 'mentally and physically healthy'.” He is set to represent Team Europe at the Laver Cup in London’s O2 Arena from 25‑27 September. The competition pits Europe, captained by Yannick Noah, against a United States side overseen by Andre Agassi. Alcaraz added, “When you person your team-mates, the champion successful the world, by your side, it's a weird feeling but it's beautiful,” Alcaraz said. “We played similar our lives beryllium connected it. That's wherefore the Laver Cup is truthful bully to