Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek called ‘soft and spoiled’ as big issue divides tennis world

Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek and other players have been branded ‘soft and spoiled’ for complaining about the tight nature of the tennis calendar.

A number of ATP and WTA stars have criticised the schedule over the last few months, with Alcaraz and Swiatek among those to hit out at the congested fixture list.

Other players have pointed the finger at things like balls, surfaces and umpires, leading Anastasia Potapova to issue a reminder of the privileged position they find themselves in.

“I think that some players have become too soft and spoiled,” she told Russian journalist Sofya Tartakova.

“There are things that make the tour more difficult, but on the other hand, I also had moments when I wasn’t happy with my life when I felt like I couldn’t stay on tour anymore.

“But then you remember where you started and you’re like: ‘Yeah, my life is wonderful’. I think sometimes you forget where you came from. We really live in our own world and it really is tough at times, but any professional sport is tough.

“It requires a lot of work, sacrifice, it’s a lot of pressure. Both mental and physical, it’s tough, but that’s not the worst life a person can have.

“I think at some point you need to know how to stop, look around you, and remember how things used to be, see how things are now and what they could be in the future, and simply thank destiny for where you are now.”

During last year’s Laver Cup, Alcaraz suggested the packed schedule and playing conditions were responsible for causing a lot of injuries.