"Now, it's the season to make money": Connors slams Alcaraz and the exhibitions organized in December

Jimmy Connors did not mince words when discussing the exhibition matches Carlos Alcaraz will play in December. For the former world number one, these "money-making" matches unnecessarily exhaust players, who then arrive tired at the Australian Open. A very blunt statement that reignites the debate on calendar management and the priorities of tour stars.

By Jules Hypolite

le 24/11/2025 à 16h30

Alcaraz Connors

The tennis season now over, players will take some well-deserved vacation. However, as early as December, some will pick up their rackets again to play a few exhibition matches, as is the case for world number one Carlos Alcaraz.

A choice that does not sit well with former champion Jimmy Connors. On his podcast alongside his son Brett, Connors did not hesitate to criticize the decisions made by the Spaniard as well as other players who participate in these events.

"Now, it's the season to make money, as if they haven't made enough during the year... (laughs).

They play more exhibition matches and arrive tired at the Australian Open? They'll say they're tired, that they've traveled, that they've played back-to-back exhibitions… You can make a lot of money, but then lose in the second round of the Australian Open."