Andy Roddick believes Carlos Alcaraz could thrive at Australian Open for one reason: "Especially if it gets hot down there"

Former World No.1 Andy Roddick is of the opinion that Carlos Alcaraz could be the favorite at the 2024 Australian Open, considering how the court surface might favor the Spaniard.

Alcaraz missed this year's Australian Open due to a leg injury, with the World No.2 last competing at the Melbourne Grand Slam in 2022, when he was beaten in five sets by Matteo Berrettini in the third round. However, Roddick believes the 20-year old's game will be well-suited to the Australian Open.

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The court surface and heat could give Alcaraz an advantage, says Roddick

“This week wasn’t the best surface for Alcaraz, but the round-robin format was great for him leading into next year," said Roddick in an interview with Betway after the ATP Finals. "He was on a three-match losing streak after losing the first match and battled back with two really good wins to steady the ship. If, at the start of the year, you’d have said, ‘Hey, listen, you’re going to win Wimbledon’, then I think he takes that without even hearing the rest.

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“There were some bumps in the road towards the end of the year – and maybe he learned some lessons about fitness and timelines at Roland Garros – but, all in all, what a season it’s been for him. People forget he didn’t play Australia last year because of injury, so he has no points to defend until February. Australia will be a very good surface for him, especially if it gets hot down there. I’m curious to see how that heavy ball he hits, if it gets really warm, is going to jump off that surface.”