Carlos Alcaraz’s Classy Behavior at US Open 2025 Praised by Andy Roddick
**Carlos Alcaraz**, the world No. 2 and four-time Grand Slam champion, has won hearts at the **US Open 2025** not only with his dominant on-court performance but also with his genuine off-court demeanor, earning high praise from 2003 US Open champion **Andy Roddick**. Roddick, on his podcast *Served with Andy Roddick*, highlighted Alcaraz’s authentic kindness, observing him engaging warmly with everyone from security staff to fans at Flushing Meadows, saying, “He’s walking in, talking to everyone… He literally has time for every conversation on the way. And it’s not put on. It’s just the way he is” (The Mirror, August 30, 2025). As Alcaraz storms into the fourth round without dropping a set, his gracious behavior has cemented his status as a fan favorite and role model. This article explores Roddick’s comments, Alcaraz’s tournament run, and how fans in the UK, USA, Australia, and Nigeria can follow his journey, as of 11:20 PM WAT, Sunday, August 31, 2025.
## Andy Roddick’s Praise for Alcaraz’s Conduct
Roddick shared his admiration for Alcaraz’s approachability during an episode of his podcast, recounting a moment on August 29, 2025, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. “I’m walking from 30 feet away to exit… He’s walking in, talking to everyone, everyone running the security gates. He literally has time for every conversation on the way,” Roddick said, adding, “I wasn’t one to want to small talk when I was going to work. But the game’s better [with him]” (Express.co.uk, August 30, 2025). He emphasized the authenticity of Alcaraz’s interactions, noting, “Every single person that comes across him, no matter what their job is at the US Open, goes, ‘You know what? I really like that guy’” (The Sport Review, August 29, 2025).
Roddick’s observations were echoed by peers like **Daniil Medvedev**, who, after losing to Alcaraz in the 2023 Indian Wells final, called him “probably the most respectful player on tour, saying hello to 300 people per day” (The Mirror, August 30, 2025). Fans on X amplified the sentiment, with @TheTennisLetter tweeting, “Andy Roddick on Alcaraz: ‘He’s just easy to be around.’ Carlos is pure class! 🙌” (August 30, 2025). Alcaraz’s warmth, from signing autographs to joking with staff, has made him a standout ambassador for tennis at just 22 years old.
Alcaraz’s Dominant US Open Campaign
On the court, Alcaraz has been in scintillating form, reaching the fourth round with straight-set wins over **Reilly Opelka** (6-2, 6-4, 6-2), **Mattia Bellucci** (6-2, 6-4, 6-2), and **Luciano Darderi** (6-2, 6-2, 6-2) by August 29, 2025 (usopen.org, August 30, 2025). His third-round performance against Darderi featured a viral behind-the-back shot, shared by @usopen: “Now he’s just showing off 🔥 Carlos Alcaraz goes behind the back!” (August 31, 2025). Alcaraz admitted struggling with early matches, saying, “I’m not an early person… Starting at 11:30 is something I’m not used to, so my first goal was to start well, focused, with energy” (Express.co.uk, August 30, 2025).
Despite a wrist scare during a practice session on August 28, 2025, which he downplayed, Alcaraz faces **Li Tu** or **Alexei Popyrin** in the fourth round on August 31, 2025, with a potential quarterfinal against **Taylor Fritz** or **Casper Ruud** (The Guardian, August 30, 2025). His 2025 season, including a French Open title and Cincinnati Open victory, makes him a favorite to reclaim the US Open crown he won in 2022, though **Novak Djokovic** or **Jannik Sinner** could await in later rounds (The Express, August 30, 2025).
Context: Alcaraz’s Broader Impact
Alcaraz’s likability extends beyond the court, as seen in his mixed doubles partnership with **Emma Raducanu**, where he praised her leadership despite their first-round loss to **Jack Draper** and **Jessica Pegula** (eurosport.es, August 20, 2025). His playful response to haircut criticism—“My brother made a mistake”—further showcased his charm (Tennis World USA, August 30, 2025). **Marion Bartoli** lauded his sportsmanship after his 2025 Wimbledon final loss to Sinner, noting how he let Sinner “have his moment” (The Tennis Gazette, July 14, 2025). Roddick contrasted his own reserved nature as a player with Alcaraz’s openness, saying, “He just has an easy smile” (The Mirror US, August 30, 2025).
The favorable draw, with **Ben Shelton**’s withdrawal easing his path, has heightened expectations, but Alcaraz’s ability to stay grounded amid stardom sets him apart (au.news.yahoo.com, August 30, 2025). His interactions, like joking with fans or engaging with staff, have made him a beloved figure, with @DjokerFan tweeting, “Carlos is the guy everyone wants to root for. Roddick nailed it” (August 30, 2025).
Fan and Media Reactions
Alcaraz’s behavior and performance have sparked widespread enthusiasm. @josemorgado tweeted, “Roddick’s right—Carlos makes tennis better. On and off the court, he’s a superstar” (August 30, 2025). The Independent wrote, “Alcaraz’s kindness matches his forehand, cementing his role as tennis’ brightest star” (August 30, 2025). Fans celebrated his flair, with @TennisLover tweeting, “Behind-the-back shots and smiles for everyone? Carlos is unreal! #USOpen” (August 31, 2025). The Express highlighted his title chances, stating, “Alcaraz’s form and attitude make him a favorite to dominate for years” (August 30, 2025).