“I Don’t Want to Hear About It”: Andy Roddick Calls Out Carlos Alcaraz’s Complaints Over the Schedule Following Off-Season Exhibitions
In the world of tennis, where every season brings its own set of challenges, one of the most pressing issues that players face is the physical toll of a demanding schedule. From Grand Slam tournaments to ATP and WTA events, the calendar is packed with high-stakes matches that require players to perform at their peak. And as the sport continues to evolve, so do the expectations of both players and fans. However, recent comments made by Carlos Alcaraz regarding the tennis calendar and its impact on players’ well-being have drawn sharp criticism from former World No. 1 Andy Roddick.
In an interview, Alcaraz expressed his frustrations over the relentless schedule, particularly during the off-season exhibitions, which he feels add unnecessary pressure to an already exhausting year. The 21-year-old Spaniard, who had a breakout season in 2023 and has been touted as one of the future faces of men’s tennis, voiced concerns about the balance between playing competitive tennis and having time to rest and recover. Alcaraz’s comments came shortly after he took part in a series of exhibition matches during the off-season, which he felt were pushed on him despite the need for a break.
“I’m playing a lot,” Alcaraz said in a recent interview. “It’s hard to keep up with the schedule, especially with the off-season exhibitions. You can’t say no, because you have sponsors and other commitments, but you end up feeling physically exhausted and mentally drained. The calendar needs to change if we want players to stay at the top of their game for longer.”
While many may empathize with Alcaraz’s concerns, not everyone agrees with the nature of his complaints, especially when it comes to the prestigious off-season exhibitions, which are known for their entertaining and often relaxed atmosphere. Former U.S. Open champion Andy Roddick, known for his candidness and no-nonsense attitude, didn’t mince words in his response to Alcaraz’s remarks.
“I don’t want to hear about it,” Roddick said when asked about Alcaraz’s complaints. “You’re one of the biggest stars in the sport right now. You’re 21, and you’re complaining about a little bit of off-season exhibition tennis? Please. Every player before you has had to deal with the same schedule, and it’s not like you’re playing an entire 12 months of back-to-back matches in a Grand Slam. These exhibitions are meant to be fun and relaxed. No one is asking you to grind for hours on end.”
Roddick’s Perspective on the Schedule
Roddick’s reaction is grounded in his own experiences as a professional tennis player. Throughout his career, the American dealt with a hectic calendar that included not just the major tournaments, but also a series of exhibition matches and promotional events. While Roddick certainly understands the physical toll that tennis can take on a player’s body, he believes that it’s important for the younger generation to manage their expectations and understand that the sport’s global popularity comes with a level of commitment.
“I get it. The schedule is tough. But the reality is that tennis is a global sport, and when you’re in the position Carlos is in, there are certain commitments that come with that,” Roddick explained. “Sponsors, media, exhibition matches—these are all part of what makes you a household name. You can’t just play when it’s convenient for you. It’s a privilege to be at the top, and with that privilege comes responsibility.”
Roddick’s comments also touch on the broader issue of tennis’ evolving calendar and the increasing demands placed on players. While the ATP and WTA have made efforts to ease the burden on players in recent years, the sport is still one of the most physically demanding. Top-ranked players like Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer have all navigated their share of grueling schedules. However, Roddick points out that they’ve also reaped the rewards of their status as top-tier athletes.
“You think about players like Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic—they’ve been playing under this schedule for 15, 20 years. It’s tough, but that’s the reality of being at the top,” Roddick said. “Sure, there are sacrifices, but you also get the glory, the fame, and the big paychecks. The younger players need to understand that this is part of the deal.”
The Modern Tennis Schedule: A Balancing Act
Alcaraz’s concerns over the tennis schedule are not entirely without merit. Tennis players, especially those in the top rankings, face an overwhelming number of commitments each year. Between Grand Slams, ATP Masters 1000 events, ATP 500 tournaments, and the ATP Finals, the calendar can seem relentless. And with the inclusion of off-season exhibitions, which often require players to travel around the world, there is little time for rest and recovery. For players like Alcaraz, who have built a fanbase that extends beyond tennis, the pressure to participate in these events can be overwhelming.
Alcaraz’s rapid rise to the top of the ATP rankings has undoubtedly placed him in the spotlight, and as a result, his off-court obligations have increased. While he is still young and has the physical endurance to handle the rigorous schedule, the mental toll is something that cannot be overlooked. The demands of constantly being in the public eye, performing at the highest level, and managing personal commitments can create a sense of burnout.
“I understand that Carlos wants to protect his body and career,” Roddick acknowledged. “But every player faces this challenge. It’s just part of the gig. If you want to be the best, you have to take the good with the bad.”
A Changing Landscape for Future Generations
One of the biggest issues at play here is how the tennis landscape has changed in recent years. With the rise of social media, the 24/7 news cycle, and the global expansion of tennis, players like Alcaraz are expected to engage with fans and sponsors in ways that weren’t as prevalent in Roddick’s time. This has led to more obligations outside of tournament play, from social media content to charity events and brand partnerships. The sheer volume of these obligations can be mentally and physically taxing, particularly for someone like Alcaraz, who is only 21 years old and still learning to navigate the complexities of being a global superstar.
However, Roddick maintains that these are growing pains for the young Spanish player. He encourages Alcaraz to embrace the challenges of being at the top of his sport, understanding that the hard work and dedication required in tennis come with unique rewards.
“You have to find the balance. It’s not easy, but you have to manage your career and your schedule the best you can,” Roddick concluded. “Carlos has a bright future ahead of him. But if he’s going to complain about these little things now, he might want to reconsider what it means to be a top player.”
Conclusion: Embracing the Reality of Tennis Life
Carlos Alcaraz’s comments about the tennis calendar may reflect the frustrations of being a rising star in an increasingly demanding sport, but Andy Roddick’s response serves as a reality check. Tennis players must learn to adapt to the expectations that come with their success, balancing their physical and mental health with the demands of a packed schedule. While off-season exhibitions may seem like an unnecessary addition to an already full calendar, they are part of the game that players must learn to navigate. As Alcaraz continues to rise, he will undoubtedly face more challenges, but with a greater understanding of the sacrifices required to be a tennis superstar.
In the end, Roddick’s words offer a straightforward message: success in tennis is not just about winning matches but also about managing the pressures that come with being at the top of your game.