Sam Querrey explains what controversial thing Carlos Alcaraz is doing differently to Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer
Carlos Alcaraz wants to put himself in the history books alongside the likes of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
Alcaraz is gearing up for the Australian Open, with the Spaniard arriving in Melbourne ahead of the first major of 2026.
The world number one has spoken about how important the Australian Open is to him this year, with Alcaraz looking to become the youngest man to complete the Career Slam.
However, it has not been ideal preparation for Alcaraz, who split from long-term coach Juan Carlos Ferrero and also chose to participate in an event which he received criticism for.
Sam Querrey predicts how many exhibitions Carlos Alcaraz will play in his careerAlongside other players, Alcaraz has been very outspoken against the current tennis schedule, criticising the number of tournaments players are required to play.
However, Alcaraz himself has received some backlash for these complaints, as he has signed up to play multiple exhibition events both during the season and in the off-season.
This includes Alcaraz playing Jannik Sinner in South Korea last week instead of playing an ATP tournament prior to the Australian Open.
It has been suggested that both Alcaraz and Sinner received over $2million for playing in this event, and former Wimbledon semifinalist Sam Querrey has spoken about the number of exhibitions the Spaniard, in particular, has played.
When discussing Alcaraz in particular on the Nothing Major Podcast, Querrey spoke about how many more exhibitions he has played than both Nadal and Federer, and predicted the world number one to play a total of 50 of these events in his career.
“Alcaraz especially there is like a conscious effort to hit five exhibitions a year now,” said Querrey. “Even Fed/Nadal I feel like they would hit one a year, Alcaraz is like watch this I’m going to hit five.”
Former top 30 player Steve Johnson added, “I feel like later on in the Fed/Nadal careers they would hit a series of events, they would do it for like a week and they would grind out three in certain places like South America, South Africa, whatever, so they were like knocking them out but just doing it more strategic.”
Querrey: “I mean Alcaraz when it’s all said and done if he stays one or two in the world, he’s going to play 50 exhibitions during his career.”
Johnson: “Call that $100million.”
Querrey: “It’s like an untapped business model for superstars in tennis.”
Sam Querrey reveals what he has heard about Carlos Alcaraz’s exhibition feeThe most obvious attraction for players to compete in exhibitions is the financial benefits they have received, with rumored offerings similar to what you would receive for winning a Grand Slam title.
When speaking about how much Alcaraz and Sinner would be willing to accept for an exhibition, Querrey revealed that he has heard that the Spaniard has one set minimum price.
Johnson: “Do you think these guys turn it down if it’s $1.7million? Like that’s not really worth it for me to go over there.”
Querrey: “Yep.”
John Isner: “Yep, there’s no-one else they’re going after.”
Johnson: “If they offer like $2million, are they like nah we need $2.2million or nothing or else we are not coming?”
Isner: “I bet they drive a hard bargain.”
Querrey: “I heard Carlos has a number and that’s the number and if it’s $1 dollar less then he’s not going.”
Exhibitions will be at the back of Alcaraz’s mind now, as he turns his attention to the Australian Open.
The Australian Open draw will take place on Thursday, January 15, before the tournament starts on Sunday, January 18.
