Andy Roddick explains how he would like to see Carlos Alcaraz change his game.
In 2025 the 21-year-old has performed somewhat below the level fans have become accustomed to seeing from him in recent times.
Alcaraz lost to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open quarter-finals, unsuccessfully defended his Indian Wells title, and suffered early losses in Qatar and Miami.
Though he did win the Rotterdam Open, the Spaniard has certainly struggled for consistency this year, and Andy Roddick thinks he knows how he can improve in that area.
Andy Roddick pinpoints what Carlos Alcaraz what he needs to change in his game
Alcaraz is arguably the most talented player on the ATP Tour and when at his very best, he is very difficult for anyone to beat.
The Spaniard’s four Grand Slam titles and being the youngest player to become the World number one proves that.
But World number three has begun to suffer more surprise defeats, such as losing to David Goffin in his opening match at the Miami Open. In order to combat this, Andy Roddick has explained what he thinks Alcaraz should change his game.
“His inconsistency almost sometimes makes him relatable and you can see him churning the wheels of decision making in real time,” the American said on his ‘Served’ podcast.
“Right now when he is not playing well or feeling comfortable, he goes more aggressive. That is hard. Right now when he is not feeling perfect it almost feels like he gets more aggressive.
“I almost want him to go and do a match and say for the first six games I am literally going to take this person’s legs out. My ball is heavier than their’s. They are going to have to hit winners for six games.
“I don’t think he likes getting winners hit on him. I think he likes to be the one that dictates. That’s his superpower. Sometimes our superpowers can also be weaknesses when not used in the right moment.
“I think as soon as he gets comfortable knowing that he can get into a 10 or 12 ball rally and they can’t really go anywhere, he’s that fast, I can create that much speed from the baseline, it’s probably too boring for him.
“Honestly, I think he needs to be bored sometimes when he’s playing. But listen, you bet against Carlos Alcaraz at your own peril, especially when the footing’s not perfect.”
Carlos Alcaraz preparing for the clay court season with French Open looming
Following his Miami Open defeat, Alcaraz took a vacation ahead of preparing for the European clay court season.
Last season the Spaniard missed the majority of the events in this portion of the campaign due to injury.
Alcaraz has played at the Monte Carlo Masters just once, and that came back in 2022 where Sebastian Korda beat him in three sets.
Alcaraz will be thrilled to compete at the Barcelona Open after making the 2024 event, and he also missed last year’s Italian Open.
These will help the youngster to build his confidence and momentum ahead of his French Open title defence.
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