“This kid is dynamite, he’s my favorite player to watch, he is great for the game,” said Andy Roddick on Carlos Alcaraz just before the US Open. During a previous episode of the Served with Andy Roddick podcast, Roddick heaped praise on the Spaniard, citing that he has already eclipsed his and many other revered tennis players’ careers. Although Alcaraz didn’t have a great outing at the US Open this year, he came back strongly at the Laver Cup. His incredible performance in the iconic team event has yet again impressed the American legend! It reminded him of the ‘Big 3’ days.

Carlos Alcaraz made his debut at the Laver Cup this year, and guess what? He was responsible for 8 out of the 13 points that Team Europe picked up. That’s the most points won by a single player in the history of this tournament. Team Europe was trailing 4-8 against Team World before the final day. Alcaraz won the doubles match, teaming up with Casper Ruud against Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton. Then he went on to win his singles match against the 2024 US Open finalist, Taylor Fritz! That’s how he pulled things back on track for his team on the last day of this year’s Laver Cup. What an impact!

Andy Roddick was so impressed seeing him demolish his opponents in Berlin that he even put Alcaraz at nearly the same level as the ‘Big 3’. Roddick said, “I was amazed at how many players, without even flinching, just said: Best top-level in tennis right now is Carlos Alcaraz. Without even like a hiccup. No flinching.” According to him, “The general feeling seems to be that once he (Alcaraz) finds it and has it you have a massive problem. It’s kind of curtains in a way for him. It’s kind of the thing that we saw with the Big Three and now they’re discussing Carlos in that same light and he proved them right.“

Carlos Alcaraz is now in Beijing to take part in the 2024 China Open. He has already become the third player to qualify for the 2024 ATP Finals, which will kick off at the Inalpi Arena in Turin, Italy, from November 10 to 17. So, there’s a lot of action coming up featuring the Spanish superstar! However, he has recently raised a few concerns about the intense scheduling of the ATP Tour. What is Andy Roddick’s advice to battle this ever-growing issue in the tennis world?

Andy Roddick shows support to Carlos Alcaraz on the grueling tour schedule issue

During a press conference at the Laver Cup, Carlos Alcaraz heavily criticized the congested tennis schedule, saying, “They are going to kill us in some way.” Alcaraz has played close to 50 matches in this season and perhaps he’s now a bit tired of traveling. We heard him admit, “Well, honestly it is difficult. I mean, sometimes I didn’t feel motivated at all. It is a difficult moment…I have been feeling this, you know, this feeling a few times already that I don’t want to go to that tournament because I want to stay at home with my family or my friends“

He has time and again mentioned how badly he wants a break sometimes, but he fails to get time off due to his practice sessions, traveling, and the jet lag associated with traveling around the world. After hearing multiple complaints from players, Andy Roddick suggested that November should be reserved for 250-level events. He believes this will ensure top players get a much-needed break while giving lower-ranked players opportunities to improve their rankings in time for the new season.

Roddick added, “When Carlos is saying it and he never says anything negative about anything says it’s too much.” So his only advice to the Spaniard is, “Carlos… just stop playing the mandatory events, see what they do, I’m going to guess they’re not going to kick you off tour. I’m going to guess that you’re going to be fine. Call that bluff.” Alcaraz has had a wonderful season this year, winning two major titles. Do you think this is by far his best season yet?