Milan, 15 October (LaPresse) – ‘I understand the criticism, but playing exhibition matches is less mentally demanding than tournaments.’ So said Carlos Alcaraz, world number 1, speaking ahead of his participation in the Six Kings Slam, the million-dollar exhibition in Saudi Arabia in which Jannik Sinner is also taking part. "Playing exhibition matches is different from playing official tournaments. There, you have 15 or 16 days in a row where you have to be very focused and physically demanding. Here, we only have one or two days of fun playing tennis, and that's great. That's why we sometimes choose exhibitions," explained the Spaniard to those who criticise players for complaining about congested schedules but then go on to play exhibitions. Regarding his physical condition, the Spaniard told local media that ‘everything is going well’ and that he is ‘healing his ankle’ to the best of his ability. ‘I don't feel 100%. I have some doubts when I move on the court, but I think it has improved a lot and I intend to compete and do well at the Six Kings Slam,’ he concluded.