Roddick Compares Nadal and Alcaraz: "Rafa Didn’t Have the Same Number of Options at 21"

On *The Tennis Channel* podcast, Andy Roddick discussed Carlos Alcaraz’s game. The former world No. 1 also drew a comparison with his Spanish compatriot, Rafael Nadal:

"Rafa didn’t have the number of options that Carlos has at 21. That’s not to say—before you all start shouting—that Nadal didn’t develop them later; he certainly did.

But his playing style at 20 or 21 was about being a thorn in his opponent’s side. He loved hitting the opponent’s backhand with his forehand and stuck to that approach. Novak also had a very defined game early on. Alcaraz has more options.

Learning when and how to deploy them is an ongoing process. When he’s in trouble, it almost seems like a matter of indecision, whereas, for example, hacks like me only had one option (laughs)."

Currently in Barcelona, Alcaraz will aim to win a third title after his victories in 2022 and 2023. In the first round, he will face American Quinn.