"I repeat I have improved a lot": Carlos Alcaraz refutes Andy Roddick's claims that his serve hasn't improved in the last two years

Thursday, 15 February 2024 at 00:00

Carlos Alcaraz responded to Andy Roddick's analysis of his serve. The American criticized the 20-year-old player, stating that he hasn't significantly improved his serve in the last two years and identified it as the aspect that needs the most enhancement.

The former world No. 1 suggested that Alcaraz's serve might have even regressed: "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 breakout – we knew about him – but winning Miami a couple of years ago, and he was serving 135, and now I feel like he’s serving 127," he said.

Andy Roddick's advice

Roddick, acknowledged as one of the best servers in history, outlined a couple of days ago that the serve is a crucial aspect for 'Carlitos' to elevate his game even further: “Alcaraz, if he’s not hitting that kick serve – that’s getting you up and away and out of the zone – it feels like people are able to firm up his first serve when he goes after it. You need to create a little motion on that serve, he needs to create a little bit of tail.”

“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 [Pete] Sampras swing on it where it’s tailing away from you and you’re kind of having to chase it.

“It’s like, if you read it right, you can kind of square it up and get that good pop sound to it. So I think the serve is the most obvious place to improve with Alcaraz,” Andy Roddick added.

Alcaraz's reaction:

The current world No. 2 is in Buenos Aires for the Argentina Open and responded in an interview with Olé to the comments made by the 2003 US Open champion. Alcaraz acknowledged that he has significantly improved his serve but recognizes the ongoing need for further enhancement:

“I feel that the serve is something that I have improved a lot, but I have to continue improving. And then I want to work on how to deal in certain situations,” the 2-times Grand Slam champion said.

“I repeat, I have improved a lot, but I actually have to continue improving and I still have a lot to do. The reality is that I feel very confident, with a good level, I come from playing well in Australia, I had good training on clay and physically I am very well, at a very high level of tennis,” Alcaraz added.

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8:32 PM · Feb 11, 2024

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Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

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