Andy Roddick addresses ATP tribute controversy in response to online backlash

Andy Roddick responds to the criticism of the tribute by the No. 1s to Jannik Sinner, after a user accused the ATP of snubbing Daniil Medvedev and Carlos Alcaraz. After the young Italian became the new leader of the ranking, the ATP shared a video where multiple former world No. 1s congratulated Sinner.

Some users on social media perceived the video as a snub to Medvedev and Alcaraz, the most recent players to reach the top of the ATP Ranking (both for the first time in 2022), since neither received a similar tribute from other tennis legends.

After three titles in the season, including his first Grand Slam at the Australian Open, Sinner arrived at the French Open with the possibility of reaching No. 1 for the first time, depending on what Novak Djokovic could do, as he was defending the crown.

The Italian took advantage of Djokovic's withdrawal in the quarterfinals due to injury and only needed to reach the semifinals at Roland Garros. Sinner fell to eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz in 5 sets (6-2, 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 3-6), but earned enough points to replace Djokovic at the top of the ranking.

With the ATP Ranking update on Monday, the ATP released a tribute video to the 29th player to reach No. 1, Jannik Sinner, compiling a series of videos from former No. 1s sending their congratulations to the Italian and welcoming him to the club.

"The No. 1 club called, and the former No. 1s are so glad you answered, Jannik. Hard work and perseverance got him here, and now the legends of the game unite to welcome their newest member."

However, some fans questioned why similar tributes were not made for Alcaraz and Medvedev when they reached the top of the rankings. Medvedev achieved this for the first time in February 2022, with the 2021 US Open title as his main achievement. Alcaraz reached the top in October of the same year at just 19 years old, after replacing the Russian as the new US Open champion.

A user on X posted a criticism of the former No. 1s for not sending similar greetings to Medvedev and Alcaraz: “Did any of you salty scumf**ks do this for Daniil or Carlos? 24 slams > everyone else,” the user posted

"Certainly would have had I been asked. Salty scumf**k reaction for a congratulatory video is a new one for me," former world No. 1 Andy Roddick responded.