It’s very simple. Carlos Alcaraz has put the calendar back on the table, the relentless pace, all that. And some found him hypocritical, because he plays exhibitions, in December in particular, during the off-season. I said it back in January. Well, I said something about December, and the spirit was there.
Mark Philippoussis, former world number 8, was interviewed by Clay. He said: “You see, Federer, Nadal and Djokovic turned down (exhibitions) because they had a broader vision, namely the Grand Slam tournaments.” Federer, Nadal, Djokovic. Three names. One was missing, eh. Me, in Kitzbühel, in ’92, I was offered an exhibition. I think. It was an aperitif with a racket, it counts. I said no, because I had a broader vision. The qualifying draw alone was broad enough.
He also said: “Nobody puts a gun to your head to make you play all these weeks. You can always say no.” That’s exactly what I’ve been saying for years, nobody listens to me. Nobody calls me onto any TV set, so I say no to every set, as a precaution. Ninety percent of my refusals were never asked for, and I’m being kind.
And his conclusion: “So they want these weeks of rest, but since they’re very well paid to play these tournaments, they don’t say no. It’s up to them to decide.” Careful, I’m not saying the opposite of what I said. I’m clarifying. In January, I predicted Alcaraz would play less. If he plays more, he read my prediction upside down. It happens with young people.
Silly question, but what do you actually win at an exhibition, apart from the money? A trophy? Points? I asked, nobody knows.
He doesn’t know, Maxime, because he wasn’t in Kitzbühel. I was. The details have shifted a little since, but the vision was broad. Philippoussis says it’s up to the players to decide. I agree, but I’d have decided sooner, all right?
It’s true, we checked: We Love Tennis.
