“Carlos Alcaraz is so overrated” – Andre Agassi & Andy Roddick joke about Spaniard lacking ‘athleticism’ ahead of Laver Cup

Tennis icon Andre Agassi, joined by former world No. 1 Andy Roddick, set the tennis world buzzing with a cheeky dig at Carlos Alcaraz, jokingly branding the 22-year-old Spaniard “overrated” and poking fun at his supposed lack of athleticism. The lighthearted comments came during a September 18, 2025, episode of *Served with Andy Roddick*, just days before the 2025 Laver Cup in San Francisco (September 19-21). Agassi, captaining Team World for the first time, was clearly teasing, quickly pivoting to lavish praise for Alcaraz’s all-court brilliance, likening him to a blend of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal. The banter has added fuel to the anticipated clash between Alcaraz’s Team Europe and Team World’s Taylor Fritz, with fans eagerly awaiting the showdown at Chase Center.

The Banter: A Tongue-in-Cheek Troll

Agassi’s playful jab came during a lively podcast exchange with Roddick. “Carlos Alcaraz is so overrated,” the eight-time Grand Slam champion said with a laugh, before adding, “But you gotta work on your athleticism a little bit.” Roddick joined in, grinning, “He kind of has the whole package, but yeah, the speed—offensively and defensively—needs work.” The sarcasm was obvious, as both quickly clarified their admiration for Alcaraz’s game. “He can defend like Novak, has soft hands like Roger, and generates RPMs and pace like Rafa,” Agassi said. “And you’ve got the passion that keeps him fired up the whole time. If you take the best of what each of them do, it’s like it’s turned into one person.”

The “overrated” quip was a nod to Alcaraz’s meteoric rise—six Grand Slams by age 22, including the 2025 US Open and French Open, tying Nadal’s haul at the same age and surpassing Federer and Djokovic. Agassi’s jest was strategic, aimed at rallying his Team World squad, led by Fritz, while acknowledging Alcaraz’s near-perfect skillset. Roddick added, “It’s scary how complete he is. But we’re Team World—let’s see if we can expose a crack.”

The Laver Cup Context: Alcaraz vs. Fritz Looms

The Laver Cup, a best-of-36-point team event pitting Team Europe against Team World, kicks off September 19 at Chase Center, with points doubling on Day 3. Alcaraz, the world No. 1 and Team Europe’s star under captain Yannick Noah, opens with Jakub Mensik in doubles against Fritz and Francisco Cerundolo. A singles clash with Fritz, Team World’s No. 5 and a 2024 Olympic bronze medalist, is likely, rekindling their 2024 Laver Cup thriller where Alcaraz won 6-3, 7-5 to clinch the title for Europe.

Agassi, replacing John McEnroe as captain, leads a stacked Team World with Fritz, Cerundolo, Alex de Minaur (replacing Frances Tiafoe), Alex Michelsen, Joao Fonseca, and Reilly Opelka, with Patrick Rafter as vice-captain. Team Europe counters with Alexander Zverev, Holger Rune, Casper Ruud, Flavio Cobolli, and Tomas Machac as alternate. Alcaraz, fresh off his US Open win over Jannik Sinner, responded to the dig on Instagram: “Overrated? Let’s talk on the court 😎 #LaverCup.”

Fritz, a California native playing on home soil, is hungry for redemption. “Carlos is unreal, but Agassi’s got us hyped,” he told *Tennis.com*. “We’re coming for Europe.” The Laver Cup, raising funds for the Rafa Nadal Academy and Roger Federer Foundation, has seen Europe win five of seven editions, with Team World seeking a third straight upset.

Fan Reactions: Banter Fuels the Hype

Fans on X erupted over the comments, embracing the humor while hyping the matchup. “Agassi calling Alcaraz ‘overrated’? Savage troll—Carlos about to light up Chase Center!” (@TennisFanatic22). Another posted, “Andre and Andy joking about Alcaraz’s athleticism? They know he’s a beast—Team World’s in trouble” (@TheTennisLetter). Some saw strategy: “Agassi’s psyching out Carlos—mind games from a legend” (@SportsGossip).

Alcaraz’s 2025 dominance—61 wins, seven titles, and year-end No. 1 contention—makes the “overrated” label laughable, but Agassi’s dig has done its job: the Laver Cup is now must-watch. With ticket prices starting at $20 for practice day (September 18), San Francisco is set for a spectacle.

A Clash of Titans and Titans-to-Be

Agassi’s cheeky “overrated” quip, paired with Roddick’s playful jab, has turned up the heat for the Laver Cup. Alcaraz, carrying the Big Three’s legacy, faces Fritz and a motivated Team World under Agassi’s savvy leadership. The Spaniard’s response—both on social media and on court—promises fireworks. As Agassi said, “He’s near perfect, but everyone’s got a flaw.” Will Team World find it, or will Alcaraz prove the doubters wrong? The Chase Center will tell all.