Carlos Alcaraz Told to Be ‘A Little More Selfish’ by Former World No. 1
Carlos Alcaraz, the prodigious Spanish tennis star and current world No. 2, has taken the tennis world by storm with his powerful game, relentless work ethic, and mature composure. However, as he continues to rise and challenge for dominance in the sport, former world No. 1 and respected commentator Andy Roddick has offered the young Spaniard some surprising advice—he needs to be “a little more selfish.”
The advice comes amidst Alcaraz’s increasingly demanding schedule and the pressure to maintain peak performance while battling the physical and mental toll that comes with being at the pinnacle of professional tennis. Roddick, who knows firsthand the unique challenges of being in the spotlight, believes Alcaraz must prioritize himself more as he aims to keep pace with rivals like Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner.
The Context: A Demanding Season and Expectations
Carlos Alcaraz has experienced a whirlwind of success over the past two years, including winning two Grand Slam titles—the 2022 US Open and the 2023 Wimbledon Championships. At just 21 years old, Alcaraz has already been touted as the next big thing in tennis, with many expecting him to fill the void that will inevitably be left by the likes of Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer.
However, success has brought immense responsibility and pressure. Since ascending to the top tier of the sport, Alcaraz has faced a grueling ATP schedule, with expectations to perform consistently at every tournament he enters. While he has managed some remarkable results—such as his Wimbledon victory over Novak Djokovic and a stellar hard-court campaign in 2023—he has also shown signs of fatigue and inconsistency.
Roddick, a former US Open champion, noted this when discussing Alcaraz’s approach to managing his career. He believes that the young Spaniard needs to be more strategic about his commitments and should not hesitate to prioritize his own needs over outside expectations.
Andy Roddick’s Advice: Prioritize Longevity
In his recent remarks, Andy Roddick highlighted the importance of Alcaraz adopting a more “selfish” mindset, not in a negative sense, but as a means of self-preservation. Roddick pointed out that top players often have to make tough decisions to ensure their physical and mental well-being remain intact over the course of a long season.
“Carlos Alcaraz is one of the most exciting talents we’ve seen in years,” Roddick said. “But at this level, you need to protect yourself. Tennis demands everything from you—physically, mentally, and emotionally. You can’t say yes to every opportunity, every match, or every appearance. It’s okay to be a little selfish because, at the end of the day, you are your own greatest asset.”
Roddick further explained that many young stars burn out early because they struggle to strike a balance between their careers and the external pressures placed upon them. This is a cautionary tale that has been seen in players like Lleyton Hewitt and Ana Ivanovic, who achieved early success but struggled to sustain it over a prolonged period.
Alcaraz’s Humble Nature Could Be Holding Him Back
One of Alcaraz’s most endearing qualities is his humility and eagerness to please. Whether it’s staying longer for fan autographs, participating in exhibition matches, or taking on additional media obligations, Alcaraz has embraced the responsibilities that come with being a superstar.
While this has earned him admiration and respect, it can also lead to burnout if not managed carefully. Roddick’s advice stems from his observation that Alcaraz often stretches himself too thin, which can impact his energy levels and consistency on the court.
“Carlos has a big heart, and you can see he loves the game and the fans,” Roddick said. “But being too accommodating can hurt him in the long run. Look at guys like Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer—they learned to say no. They were able to focus on what really mattered: winning matches and staying healthy.”
The Competition Is Fierce: Managing Rivals Like Sinner and Djokovic
Alcaraz’s need to be “selfish” becomes even more apparent when considering the level of competition he faces. Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, continues to set the gold standard for physical longevity and mental fortitude. Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner, Alcaraz’s contemporary and emerging rival, has rapidly closed the gap and defeated the Spaniard in crucial matches, including the ATP Finals.
Sinner’s rise serves as a stark reminder that Alcaraz cannot afford to lose focus or let fatigue creep into his game. As the margins between the top players become increasingly fine, even a slight dip in energy or preparation can prove costly.
“Alcaraz has to look at his schedule and make sure he’s putting himself in the best possible position to win,” Roddick emphasized. “Every player at the top level is looking for an edge. Whether it’s managing recovery, adjusting travel plans, or skipping certain tournaments, you have to prioritize yourself.”
Learning from the Big Three
The careers of Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer provide a blueprint for Alcaraz to follow. All three legends were masters at managing their schedules, particularly as they aged. They often skipped tournaments to focus on their physical health and peak for Grand Slams. Nadal, for example, frequently withdrew from events to manage his chronic injuries, while Federer carefully curated his appearances during the latter stages of his career.
Alcaraz’s team, led by coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, has already emphasized the importance of balance. Ferrero, a former world No. 1 himself, understands the rigors of the ATP Tour and has been vocal about Alcaraz needing to pace himself.
The Path Forward
As Alcaraz looks to build on his early success, Roddick’s advice is both timely and relevant. At just 21, Alcaraz has the potential to dominate the sport for the next decade, but achieving this will require careful management of his career. Being “a little more selfish” isn’t about arrogance—it’s about ensuring longevity, sustainability, and the ability to compete at the highest level for years to come.
Alcaraz’s fans will undoubtedly hope that he takes this advice to heart. With his incredible talent, work ethic, and the right mindset, there’s no limit to what he can achieve. By learning to prioritize himself, he can avoid the pitfalls that have hindered other young stars and solidify his place as one of the all-time greats.
In the words of Roddick, “Carlos has everything it takes to be great. He just needs to look after himself first. The rest will follow.”