"Salty scumf**k reaction" - Andy Roddick defends role in Jannik Sinner's World No. 1 tribute amid criticism for Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev snubs

Andy Roddick has firmly shut down the criticism he faced for recording a congratulatory message for Jannik Sinner on becoming the new World No. 1. The backlash stemmed from the perceived slight against Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev, who did not receive similar acknowledgments.

Following his semifinal run at the 2024 French Open, Sinner made history as the first Italian player to become World No. 1. Having won his maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, clinched titles in Miami and Rotterdam, and made deep runs at every other tournament, the 22-year-old's ascent to the top spot for the first time in his career comes as no surprise.

In honor of Jannik Sinner's accomplishment, tennis greats like Roger Federer, Andy Roddick, Bjorn Borg, Andre Agassi and John McEnroe came together in a video compilation by the ATP to offer their heartfelt congratulations and welcome the Italian to the elite World No. 1 club.

However, the touching messages sparked controversy as fans questioned the absence of similar tributes for Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev, both of whom made historic climbs to the top of the rankings.

Medvedev secured the World No. 1 ranking in February 2022, becoming the first player outside Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray to achieve this feat since Andy Roddick in 2004.

Alcaraz, meanwhile, climbed to the top of the rankings after winning his maiden Grand Slam title at the 2022 US Open, becoming the youngest World No. 1 at just 19 years of age.

Upset over the perceived snubs to Alcaraz and Medvedev, a user on X hit out at the former World No. 1s for failing to honor the duo's accomplishments.

"Did any of you salty scumf**ks do this for Daniil or Carlos? 24 slams > everyone else," the user posted.

Roddick hit back at the user, asserting that he would have gladly participated in similar tributes for Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev if asked. He also expressed dismay over the user's derogatory reaction to a congratulatory video, referring to it as a new low.

"Certainly would have had I been asked. Salty scumf**k reaction for a congratulatory video is a new one for me," he responded.

"Why would Jannik Sinner do that?" - Andy Roddick defended Italian against accusations of faking injury in French Open SF vs Carlos Alcaraz

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz embrace after 2024 French Open SF

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz faced off in a blockbuster semifinal clash at the 2024 French Open, with Alcaraz securing a 2-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory after a closely contested battle.

Andy Roddick shared his admiration for the duo's stellar performance on social media, describing their powerful groundstrokes and remarkable court coverage as "absurd."

"These guys are so good. Hard to articulate how hard they hit and how well they move. It’s all absurd," he posted on X.

However, Jannik Sinner began struggling with cramps in his hands and a flare-up of his hip issues during the match, prompting one fan to accuse the 22-year-old of "faking" his injury. Roddick came to the Italian's defense, questioning the logic behind the accusation.

"Why would he (Jannik Sinner) do that when leading? He pulled out of his home tournament coming into RG…. Why is yours a suggestion that makes any sense?" Roddick questioned.