Andy Roddick has slammed suggestions from some that Carlos Alcaraz needs to change his coach and believes those critics need to ‘reset’ their expectations of the world No.3.
Alcaraz came into this week’s Monte Carlo Masters having reached at least the quarter-finals in four out of his last five tournaments played this season. In February he claimed his 17th ATP title in Rotterdam at the age of 21. However, in Miami, he suffered a surprise early exit after losing his opening match against former top 10 player David Goffin.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Alcaraz said he is ‘happy’ with his performances and took a swipe at those who have made some remarks about his losses on the Tour. Describing such remarks as ‘unfair.’ Alcaraz’s losses so far in 2025 have been to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open, Jiri Lehecka in Doha and Jack Draper in Indian Wells.
The Spaniard is mentored by Juan Carlos Ferrero who has worked with him since he was a teenager. Other members of his team include Samuel Lopez who used to work with Pablo Carreno Busta. A set-up that Roddick believes Alcaraz should stick with.
“Do you guys remember the crazy times before the Big Three when players didn’t make the finals every week,” Roddick said whilst discussing Alcaraz on the Tennis channel.
“Like honestly, we have to reset expectations and one of Annacone’s former charges, Pete Sampras, as great as he was, winner of 14 Majors, six year-end No. 1’s, he would lose third round sometimes. He just would. He would win two Majors a year instead of three.”
Roddick, who won the 2003 US Open and reached the Wimbledon final three times during his career, goes on to praise Alcaraz’s accomplishments in the sport so far.
“We have to reset expectations. Carlos Alcaraz already has more Majors than Andy Murray, he’s halfway towards icons like Connors, Agassi. It’s just absurd what he’s done,” he continued. “We need to reset a little bit and anyone calling for a coaching change doesn’t know anything about coaching.”
Alcaraz is the highest-ranked player remaining in the Monte Carlo draw after Alexander Zverev’s departure earlier this week. He will play German qualifier Daniel Altmaier in the third round on Thursday.
