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'It doesn’t have the Sampras swing,' Andy Roddick outlines Carlos Alcaraz’s Achilles heel comparing the Spaniard to ATP legends Roger Federer and Pete Sampras

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Nikhil Sonmali | Last updated 2/6/24

Andy Roddick , the former World No. 1, has some words of criticism towards current World No. 2. The former American tennis ace blasted Carlos Alcaraz for lack of improvement on his serve. The Spanish star, who shockingly lost to Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, has been bombarded with the latest criticism of the 2024 season.

The 20-year-old who won his first Grand Slam at the 2022 US Open and defeated Novak Djokovic at the 2023 Wimbledon final has been criticized for his bad decisions during his recent games. After dropping back-to-back defeats at the Asian swing last year, the Spaniard was criticized for lack of concentration resulting in his uncalled for defeats.

American legend Andy Roddick has hit out at the Spaniard, revealing that his serve is the one thing he hasn’t improved in the last 2 years. He added that most of his serve lack motion and are easily dealt with by opponents.

There’s not a lot of motion to it, right? There are big servers, who serve straight through the court. And so, they’re are the type of servers that serve 136, but if you get a racket on it, you can square it up a little bit. --And then there’s like the Federer type servers that can serve 118 and the ball’s sliding against your racket and it just feels a little bit squirrely – so where you’re kind of hitting foul balls off the serve. Andy Roddick during a conversation in The Served! Podcast show.

Roddick further continued:

Especially with how good he is on that first ball and how much he can bully you. Right now, even his slice serve feels like it kind of goes straight. It doesn’t have that like Sampras swing on it where it’s tailing away from you and you’re kind of having to chase it.

Carlos Alcaraz, who has been dubbed as the next generation may need Rafael Nadal to learn more on how to improve his game. With the chance at the Rio Open, the star will have the opportunity to change his style and make it unique.

Andy Roddick says Carlos Alcaraz’ serve is the one thing he hasn’t improved in the last 2 years:

“I think his serve leaves a lot to be desired. That is the one thing that I don’t think has really improved much at all in the last two years. I remember watching him, kinda his… pic.twitter.com/K6lYv8ib6C
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) February 4, 2024

Carlos Alcaraz to compete at the Rio Open

Alcaraz will compete at the 10th edition of the Rio Open. It is South America’s biggest event which starts 17th and 25th of February at the Jockey Club Brasileiro, in Rio de Janeiro.

The Spaniard is the 2022 champion and is hoping to regain his title and perhaps get to his first final, since his loss against Novak Djokovic in the Cincinnati Open.

I am very happy to play the Rio Open in 2024. The tournament is special for me. It was where I won my first ATP match and where I won my first ATP 500. I have a special relationship with the fans, I'm excited to be in Rio again. said Alcaraz (H/T: rioopen.com)

This will be the fourth appearance of the 20-year-old at the ATP 500 in Rio. His debut came in 2020 when he was ranked World No. 406th, competing in his first ATP main draw and earning his first win against Albert Ramos-Vinolas. However, the youngster had to wait the following year to win the title.

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