Carlos Alcaraz breaks silence on Andy Roddick’s criticism of his serve needing ‘improvement’ after no change in the last two years

The Spaniard showed his class in responding to the criticism by the former American No. 1.

Carlos Alcaraz breaks silence on Andy Roddick’s criticism of his serve needing ‘improvement’ after no change in the last two years

Carlos Alcaraz and Andy Roddick (images via IMAGO)

World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz continues to make a mark for himself as the young gun stays in the hunt for more titles. He has developed an all-court game with titles on all surfaces at all tiers.

He has won four Masters-1000 titles, two on clay and two on hardcourt. With Grand Slam titles at the US Open in 2022, followed by his epic win over Novak Djokovic at the 2023 Wimbledon, only the French Open alludes him to achieving the Surface Slam. 

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With a powerful forehand at his disposal, he often mesmerizes fans with fancy trick shots and flawless backhand wins. The only area for him to improve has been his serve, which was rightly identified by Andy Roddick. 

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The American, speaking in his podcast, pointed out how the speed of Alcaraz’s serve has not much changed. The comments were made shortly after the 2024 Australian Open, where the Spaniard was convincingly outplayed by Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals. 

Reacting to the comments of the former US Open champion, the two-time Major winner admitted knowing about his weakness. He, however, reassured me that he’s been working towards improving it, showing no signs of being offended by the remarks. 

I feel that the serve is something that I have improved a lot, but I have to continue improving, and then I want to work on how to deal with certain situations. I repeat, I have improved a lot, but I actually have to continue improving and I still have a lot to do.
Said Alcaraz speaking with Spanish media outlet Ole.
The reality is that I feel very confident, with a good level, I come from playing well in Australia, I had good training on clay and physically I am very well, at a very high level of tennis.
Added the Spaniard.

Carlos Alcaraz on track for his title defense in Buenos Aires

Following his exit from Melbourne Park, the Spaniard took a good amount of rest before returning on the Tour. He, however, opted to play on clay courts and not move to the Middle Eastern swing of hardcourt action. 

Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz (image via IMAGO)

He is currently in Buenos Aires for the ATP-250 event, where he is the defending champion. Playing as the top seed, he had a first-round bye. He played in the second round against qualifier and local boy Camilo Ugo Carabelli and convincingly saw him off, winning the tie 6-2, 7-5. 

He will now take on Andrea Vavassori for a place in the semi-finals. The Italian had defeated Laslo Djere in the second round, winning the match 6-4, 7-5. Playing as a qualifier, he took down Thiago Seyboth Wild in the first round of the maindraw. 

With all his 250 points on stake, the Spaniard would not like to drop any as Djokovic continues to hold a healthy lead in the rankings. Nole will not drop any points until the Golden Swing commences, putting all the pressure on Alcaraz to keep up. 

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