Mindblowing Argentina Open appearance fee for Carlos Alcaraz set at close to $1million

Carlos Alcaraz was carted away from the Rio Open only points into his opener in an injury he didn't think was too serious, but in reality the proof will be in the pudding for that one. But it was a blow not only for the Spaniard, but also for the tournament if anything close to Argentina Open Buenos Aires levels of appearance fees are being paid.

Alcaraz who is ranked World Number Two can only play minimal smaller tournaments in ATP 250 and ATP 500 and has done in recent weeks in order to prioritise South American clay, but it hasn't gone entirely to plan for him. But still it means that a big wadge of cash is needed to entice him.

La Nacion reportedly stated that Alcaraz who is a well known tennis figure throughout the world commanded a fee which dictated that with the 20-year-old reportedly being paid $900,000 to then lose to Nicolas Jarry in the semi-finals. Facundo Diaz Acosta went on to win the tournament in a shock win in a title many stamped on Alcaraz' forehead to start the week.

The same can be said for Rio Open before injuries halted his campaign. But it likely tallies up with Vienna Open tournament director, Herwig Straka revealing last year that he tried to make Alcaraz come to the tournament but was put off by the fee. Supposedly Alcaraz' team was charging 750,000 euros in order to have him play and Straka deemed it too expensive. This is without prize money so Alcaraz banked close to $1million by playing in Buenos Aires due to an additional $33,520 pocketed for losing to Jarry. Not bad for a week's work and also a potential nightmare for the tournament if like in Rio, he pulls up injured or is beaten in the opening round for instance.