Carlos Alcaraz’s repeated complaints about the demanding ATP schedule have drawn criticism from various figures in the tennis world. Despite the Spaniard’s incredible season, capped by appearances in exhibition events, his remarks about fatigue haven’t sat well with everyone.
Former World No.1 Andy Roddick weighed in during his Served with Andy Roddick podcast, defending Alcaraz’s right to participate in exhibitions but cautioning against using the packed calendar as an excuse for poor performance at the Australian Open.
“Carlos finished December 6, had a vacation in the Caribbean, and then played exhibitions. He’s an adult; it’s a business,” Roddick said, emphasizing that Alcaraz had time to relax but chose to work lucrative exhibition events during the off-season.
Roddick, however, drew the line at Alcaraz blaming the ATP schedule if he underperforms in Melbourne. “What I don’t accept is, ‘Hey, I didn’t have a long enough off-season.’ I don’t want to hear about it if he’s not feeling great,” Roddick stated firmly.
Alcaraz, who aims to complete a Career Grand Slam, ended his ATP season after Davis Cup matches in November. While the Australian Open presents a chance for the 21-year-old to make history, his off-season decisions remain under scrutiny.
In Melbourne this year, Alcaraz reached the quarterfinals but fell to Alexander Zverev in four sets, sparking questions about his readiness for the grueling demands of Grand Slam tennis.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2024
Currently the world no.3, Carlos played his last match on the 19th of November when he beat world no.40 Tallon Griekspoor 7-6(0) 6-3 in the Rubber 2 of the Davis Cup (draw).
During this season Alcaraz has managed to achieve a 54-13 match record. Carlos has won 4 titles in 2024 in Indian Wells, French Open, Wimbledon and Beijing. The Spaniard was the runner-up in Paris.
Carlos Alcaraz will come up against the world no.363 Gabi Adrian Boitan in the . They have never played each other up to now on the main tour.
Carlos has won 4 titles in 2024 in Indian Wells, French Open, Wimbledon and Beijing. The Spaniard got to the final in Paris (Olympics).
Alcaraz won 17 titles in his career: 5 on hard courts, 8 on clay courts, 1 on indoor courts and 3 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Carlos Alcaraz |
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