Andy Roddick reveals what Carlos Alcaraz and Rory McIlroy have in common besides winning titles
Carlos Alcaraz defeated Lorenzo Musetti to claim his first Monte Carlo title, while Rory McIlroy captured The Masters in Augusta.
Follow Us
Carlos Alcaraz, Rory McIlroy and Andy Roddick (via X/ATP Rory McIlroy/Vogue)
On Sunday (April 13), tennis and golf saw two new champions win their biggest title of the season. Carlos Alcaraz claimed the Monte Carlo Masters for the first time, while Rory McIlroy captured The Masters in the United States. Former World No.1 Andy Roddick finds a connection between the tennis youngster and golf icon victories.
McIlroy captured his long-awaited career Grand Slam after winning The 2025 Masters. The Irish legend turned emotional in Augusta after years of close calls and near-misses in search for the title. Despite the mounting pressure and the years of being under the spotlight, McIlroy’s elegance and grace on the golfing course were effortless.
On the other hand, Alcaraz has been under immense criticism for not winning titles amidst the suspension of his rival Jannik Sinner. The 21-year-old came from behind at the Monte Carlo Masters final to beat Lorenzo Musetti. The title victory was his first at the ATP 1000 tournament, shutting down his critics.
Andy Roddick revealed that McIlroy and Alcaraz had experienced the same thing in their different careers and fans had forgotten how good they were. He added that their celebration and determination helped them succeed eventually.
Before Monte Carlo, people were already asking what was wrong with Carlos. That’s how high the expectations are – just like they were, and still are, for Rory. It’s like we forget how much work goes into making it look that good. You see Carlos slicing and sprinting and improvising mid-rally – or Rory with that swing – and it just looks natural. But when Rory dropped to his knees after sinking that final putt? That was years of everything bottled up.
Andy Roddick said via Served with Andy Roddick podcast
Alcaraz capturing the Monte Carlo takes his ATP 1000 Masters tally to six and total career title to eighteen. By this time last year, Alcaraz had won just one title; he already has two this season in his trophy cabinet.
Carlos Alcaraz says he handled tennis pressure better when he was a teenager
Carlos Alcaraz has been one of the best players in the men’s circuit for the past four years. He has been evolving and breaking records while setting up new ones. However, this has also come with hard scrutiny and greater spotlight. He has performed well despite the rising pressure, winning titles, including four Grand Slams. He revealed that he handled the pressure of the sport better when younger than currently.
When you’re young, or in my case younger, when you arrive on the tour everything is very new. It’s a different kind of pressure. It’s the pressure of playing with players you’ve seen on TV; the pressure of wanting to show the world what you’re capable of. I think that pressure is nice, something you’re grateful for, because it helps you stay alert and give your best. It’s a much easier path.
Carlos Alcaraz said via MARCA
Alcaraz has been the only player in the new generation who has been dubbed to take the place of Rafael Nadal. He has also been hailed to become the greatest player of all time. Nonetheless, he’s focused on not making sure the pressure of being what the legends have said gets to him.
Carlos Alcaraz supports demands for more prize money in Grand Slam events
A few weeks ago, the Top 20 players of the WTA and ATP sent a letter to the four Grand Slam organizers, demanding an increase in the percentage prize money for players. This has become a pertinent issue in the sport as many players ranked below the Top 200 struggle to make a living out of playing the sport. Carlos Alcaraz added his voice to the issue, stressing that the percentage for Grand Slam prize money has to increase.
Tennis is a well-paid sport, but the percentages have to be fair. If we put on a show so the fans can enjoy it and pay to see us, then the percentage has to be close to what we deserve. And that’s why we’ve come together.
Carlos Alcaraz said
Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic have also lent their voice to the demands of the players. However, the players and the Grand Slam organizers have yet to reach an agreement concerning the issue.
Stay Updated!
/techfirstnow/media/agency_attachments/kATjCXskQdJKkXN0OuqW.png)