Andy Roddick is the latest notable name to offer his verdict on how Carlos Alcaraz gained passage into the Australian Open final yesterday.
After all, whilst many will remember the match for an outstanding display of physicality, eventually decided by the Spaniard’s undying spirit, this cannot be discussed without the context of that pivotal third set.
This is where the 22-year-old was suffering badly with cramps, and yet, despite the rules specifically not allowing one for this ailment, he was afforded a medical time-out.
He has since claimed that, initially, he thought it was an actual injury.
Andy Roddick was sympathetic to his cause.
Andy Roddick disagrees with claims about Carlos Alcaraz
Speaking on the Served with Andy Roddick podcast, he began by seeking to disprove what he had heard some say about Carlos Alcaraz.
Roddick began by noting: “There are two things that people are going to say which I fully disagree with.
Who will win the Australian Open men’s singles final?
“Every single player on Earth would take what Carlos did, because if I have a cramp, I 100% would have been able to do the mental gymnastics to say my groin hurts a little.
“If the decision is not my own and it’s written in the rules as the job [physio], if you can punt responsibility to a third party and it’s within the rules for them to make a judgement, yes.”
Then, focusing on the physio’s judgement, he offered further defence: “People are going to say that the physio needs to say. But imagine how that works. You’re the physio; it’s a no-win situation. There is no chance for the physio to win. They work for the Tours, so you are not getting your personal physio out there. It’s not as if this person works for Carlos.
“This person works for everyone equally in the entire tournament. That physio comes out, and Carlos goes, ‘My groin hurts.’ What are you going to say? Carlos, you are lying to me. I am not going to treat you. Zero chance! Impossible. You can suspect it, but if you do not know for sure, you cannot make that judgment.”
Roddick concluded by absolving everyone of blame: “Nobody was wrong. I would have done exactly what Carlos did too. Every player would. And if they say they wouldn’t, they either haven’t been in that situation or they’re lying to you. Those are the two options.”
Zverev has since spoken about Alcaraz’s behaviour in their match, but was keen to speak about an enthralling match rather than a controversial flashpoint.
Alexander Zverev was right to be angry with Carlos Alcaraz’s treatment
Of all the people that Roddick exonerates, he did not mention Alexander Zverev, the supposed victim of all of this.
After all, it was his opponent who was afforded rest at a crucial time which, in the letter of the law, should not have been allowed.
With that being said, there is also a huge grey area within the rules that needs clarification regarding cramp caused by heat stress.
Were the Australian Open too lenient with Carlos Alcaraz?
Alcaraz had vomited just before he began to suffer, and in the heat of the moment, it’s impossible to tell whether cramps are being brought about by heat, stress or something else entirely.
Zverev’s frustrations are right, but Alcaraz’s desperation, and the fact that the rest he got didn’t actually help him that much, could perhaps provide the foundation for a rule change beyond just the Australian Open in this uncertain area.
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