Andy Roddick seeks further improvements from Carlos Alcaraz to close the gap on Jannik Sinner in 2025
Carlos Alcaraz won two Grand Slam titles in 2024, but finished two spots behind Jannik Sinner in the ATP rankings.

Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Andy Roddick (Via IMAGO)
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz were undoubtedly the standout players on the Grand Slam stage in 2024. The duo split the four Grand Slam titles, but the difference between them is clear, according to 2003 US Open champion Andy Roddick.
Roddick, a former World No. 1 like Alcaraz, believes the Spaniard needs to create time and space for himself on the court, similar to the Italian. While the American acknowledges Alcaraz’s strong big-match mentality, he also notes that the Spaniard can sometimes let his emotions affect his performance.
Carlos Alcaraz has improved his serve. He’s adjusted his movement a little bit. He was going up and down in a V shape, now he’s a little bit more rounded at the bottom. His backhand has improved. He’s using the slice more often. It’s just that he needs more time and space. I don’t think he’s a machine like Sinner.
Andy Roddick said on his Served podcast
Sinner claimed the Australian Open and US Open titles, while Alcaraz triumphed at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Additionally, Alcaraz won an Olympic Singles silver medal, representing Spain for the first time at the Olympic Games.
Sinner had an equally impressive season, winning the ATP Finals after reaching the final last year. He also played a key role in helping Italy retain the Davis Cup in November.t
Jannik Sinner to headline roster at the Australian Open
The ATP Tour’s top stars are ready to chase Grand Slam glory at the 2025 Australian Open. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner leads the field as he defends his 2024 title on Melbourne’s hard courts. Other top-ranked players like Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, and Taylor Fritz will also compete. Former champions Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev are on the entry list as well.

Novak Djokovic, now 37, is aiming for his 11th Australian Open title. The Serbian star, with new coach Andy Murray by his side, is also close to his 100th career title. Djokovic had the opportunity to reach that milestone even before Melbourne, but he lost in the quarterfinal to Reilly Opelka at the Brisbane International.
Several Top 10 players will aim to win their first Grand Slam in Melbourne. These include Zverev, Fritz, Casper Ruud, Andrey Rublev, and Grigor Dimitrov. Australian fans will cheer for local favorite Alex de Minaur, ranked No. 9, who has reached the fourth round in Melbourne for the ptast three years.
Nick Kyrgios will return to the Australian Open for the first time in two years, adding excitement for home fans. The 29-year-old lost in the opening round in his first tournament since June 2023 in Brisbane. Alexei Popyrin and Jordan Thompson, both ranked in the Top 30, will join Kyrgios as local favorites.
Fahad Hamid
(698 Articles Published)