Andy Roddick reveals way Carlos Alcaraz is different to Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer

Andy Roddick has highlighted a difference between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in their prime.

The former world No 1 feels Alcaraz “still makes way more errors” than the legendary trio as he assessed that the Spanish star plays on his own terms.

Alcaraz has been compared to each of the Big Three of Djokovic, Nadal and Federer throughout his highly successful career to date.

The 21-year-old secured his third Grand Slam title at the 2024 French Open last week, where he defeated Alexander Zverev in the final. His victory made him the youngest man to win a Major title on all three surfaces.

After winning his maiden Grand Slam at the 2022 US Open, Alcaraz became the youngest man to be ranked world No 1 since the ATP Rankings were introduced.

Alcaraz then overcame Djokovic in an epic five-set championship match at Wimbledon in 2023 to claim his second Major.

Is Carlos Alcaraz really better at 21 than Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal were?

The world No 2 will next feature on grass at the Queen’s Club Championships next week, where he is the defending champion.

Speaking on the Served with Andy Roddick podcast, Roddick praised Alcaraz’s complete game and likened his aggressive approach to that of Federer.

“Alcaraz is like this insane thing to watch because he has all the shots and he can do everything, but he always takes his shot,” said the 2003 US Open champion.

“With Roger, you always felt like you were playing on his terms, especially later in his career when he had lost maybe half a step, it was on his terms.

“Alcaraz still makes way more errors than prime Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, way more unforced errors. But most of the errors are on his terms.

“He’s trying to do something. He might miss a forehand wildly, but you’re going, ‘That was probably the right shot. He just missed it’.”

Alcaraz was recently asked what he feels could separate him from competing to become the greatest tennis player ever.

“I would say the head. Being at the top of the rankings for 16 or 17 years, fighting for the big titles year after year, dealing with pressure, with injuries, dealing with everything, that is something out of the ordinary,” he told Spanish reporters after his Roland Garros victory.

“Having that continuity year after year is something that few achieve. Mental strength and head is what can make him be in the debate tomorrow for being the GOAT.”

Carlos Alcaraz asked if he is better than Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer were at 21