Carlos Alcaraz recently played in two exhibition matches, and the commitment and quality he demonstrated during them impressed Andy Roddick.
Alcaraz's decision to play in two exhibitions in December is somewhat controversial because of his complaints about the length of the tennis calendar in 2024. He spoke regularly about wanting to be home more often and not having enough time to recover.
The ATP's president, Andrea Gaudenzi, combatively addressed the topic in a recent interview, saying players were independent contractors and could choose to play in fewer exhibitions if they wanted to.
Roddick agreed with Gaudenzi when he weighed in on the subject. The 2003 US Open champion told Alcaraz not to complain about not getting enough time to work during the off-season after electing to play in exhibitions.
However, the fans who attended the exhibitions in the United States were delighted to watch one of the world's most popular players. His first exhibition ended in a victory against Ben Shelton at Madison Square Garden.
If his rumored appearance fee of between $1 and $2 million is correct, it is easy to understand why Alcaraz signed up for the exhibition with Shelton, although that has not been confirmed.
Alcaraz's other exhibition this month was in Charlotte against Frances Tiafoe. After an entertaining battle, the four-time Grand Slam champion was beaten by the inspired American.
Although Alcaraz lost in Charlotte, his commitment there or at Madison Square Garden cannot be questioned. The young star worked hard at both events to give the fans value for money.
In an episode of his podcast Served With Andy Roddick, the former world No. 1 lauded Alcaraz's conduct throughout the exhibitions and called him the safest bet in tennis for producing an entertaining show for fans.
"I think people have rewritten the book like Carlos Alcaraz was pitch perfect with every person. And this is big for Charlotte, but this is not a prioritized event for him, right? This is something that he's doing obviously because he is getting paid like there's no doubt about it, but he doesn't act like someone who's there to get paid."
"He acts like someone who is trying to add value. And if he is getting paid, he's the safest offer in tennis. One because of like in an exhibition where he's throwing the full box of tools out there. I'm watching first row and I'm like the shots he's hitting."
"I know what he's doing. I can see the ragged speed. I'm like, holy s**t! Like, the speed he can create at the last minute being this far from him.I've seen him at the open obviously, but you're up in the suites and I mean, it's just next level talent and then he does it all with a sneaky smile on his face, in on all the jokes, knows when to bring people in. I was like, it's the most thirstless stardom I think I've ever seen."
Alcaraz's focus now turns to preparing for the 2025 season, although his plans have been altered after Jack Draper withdrew from a planned pre-season camp due to an injury.
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