Carlos Alcaraz has enjoyed a remarkable 2025 season, earning over $15 million in prize money thanks to his victories at the French Open and the US Open. His consistent dominance across surfaces has solidified his position as World No. 1. However, a strategic decision to skip the Shanghai Masters could cost him a significant portion of his year-end bonus.
Nonstop Schedule and Physical Toll
Since winning the Cincinnati Open against Jannik Sinner, Alcaraz has maintained a relentless pace. He immediately flew to New York for the US Open mixed doubles and then claimed the singles title, once again defeating Sinner in the final. After a brief pause, he competed in the Laver Cup in San Francisco and then traveled to Tokyo, where he won the Japan Open by beating Taylor Fritz.
Following this intense stretch, Alcaraz and his team opted for rest, announcing his withdrawal from the Shanghai Masters — a mandatory ATP 1000 event.
“I’m very disappointed to announce that I won’t be able to play the Rolex Shanghai Masters this year. Unfortunately, I’ve been struggling with some physical issues and, after discussing with my team, we believe the best decision is to rest and recover,” Alcaraz wrote on social media.
Bonus Pool Penalty Explained
This marks the third Masters 1000 event Alcaraz has missed in 2025, following the Madrid Open and the Canadian Open. While those absences were justified — one due to injury and the other for US Open preparation — ATP rules are strict. Players who skip three Masters 1000 tournaments must forfeit 75% of their bonus from the ATP’s $21 million pool.
Alcaraz currently leads the standings, having won Monte-Carlo, Rome, and Cincinnati. The top bonus is $3.8 million, but missing Shanghai means he could lose approximately $2.85 million.
Paris Masters Holds the Final Key
There is still one Masters 1000 event left this season: the Paris Masters. If Alcaraz chooses to skip that as well, he will lose the entire bonus payout. The stakes are high, especially with Jack Draper, Lorenzo Musetti, and Casper Ruud trailing him in the bonus race with potential earnings of $1.9 million, $1.1 million, and $955,000 respectively.
As the season nears its conclusion, Alcaraz faces a delicate balance between recovery and reward — a decision that could shape both his physical condition and financial outcome.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2025
Ranked world no.1, Alcaraz played his last match on the 30th of September when he defeated world no.4 Taylor Fritz 6-4 6-4 in the final in Tokyo to win his 25th career title.
This season Alcaraz achieved a compiled 67-7 record. The Spaniard clinched 8 titles in 2025 in Rotterdam, Monte-Carlo, Rome, French Open, London, Cincinnati, U.S. Open and Tokyo. Alcaraz reached the final in Barcelona and Wimbledon.