Andy Roddick shares fascinating anecdote about Roger Federer going into 'survival mode' to make a point about Carlos Alcaraz

Andy Roddick recently shared an interesting story about Roger Federer going into survival mode. He revealed this story to make a point about Carlos Alcaraz while discussing his French Open final against Jannik Sinner.

In the latest episode of Roddick's podcast, "Served with Andy Roddick,' the former tennis player discussed the top 10 matches of the 2025 season. He ranked the French Open final, which took place on June 8, as No. 1.

Lauding the notable performance of Alcaraz and Sinner in the final, which lasted for 5 hours and 29 minutes, Roddick shared a fascinating story about Federer going into survival mode to make a point about the Spaniard.

"I'll say I use this story and it's only to prove a point, right? Like Roger was great. Everyone knows our history. I remember playing him in Madison Square Garden in an exo. He was coming from Dubai. It was my last year on tour. I wasn't playing that great. Like I was a bit of a dumpster fire. I somehow win the first set. Roger and I are friends, right? We always had a great relationship. You know, I'm on this card because he decided to play Madison Square Garden and probably threw me a bone, right? Like that's why I'm on this thing," said Roddick (59:50 onwards).

He added:

"And I remember he fought off like four or five match points in this Madison Square Garden exhibition. I eventually win, but I'm going, like this mo********** has all the gifts in the world and he's also in survival mode for an exo that doesn't like news flash. We don't get paid extra if we win exos, right? I'm going, oh, he it was like that. I walked off and it's just like it's absurd the way. And my point is to see someone who normally doesn't have to go into survival mode, seeing them go into survival mode and adapt and do it like an Alcaraz."

Alcaraz dominated the French Open final by winning the fifth tie-breaker round. He claimed the trophy by registering a 4-6, 6-7(7), 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(2) win against the Italian.

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Andy Roddick weighed in on the Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner rivalry

In the episode above, Andy Roddick also made his feelings known about the Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner rivalry. He said that if the duo continues to consistently manage their physical and mental issues and deliver stellar performances on the court, their rivalry will endure for a long time.

"This rivalry will not happen quickly. If they're able to deal with the mental losses, the physicality, all of that and then circle back and also be in peak form a month later again, we're going to be able to enjoy this one for a while," said Andy Roddick.

Carlos Alcaraz wrapped up his 2025 season with eight titles, including two Grand Slams. He claimed both the major titles by prevailing over Jannik Sinner in the final rounds.