Carlos Alcaraz is no stranger to making history on the tennis court. At just 21 years old, the Spanish sensation has already captured three Grand Slam titles and established himself as one of the brightest stars of his generation. Yet, as he prepares for his fourth appearance at the Australian Open, there is one glaring gap in his otherwise stellar resume: winning the first Grand Slam of the year.
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Despite his many accomplishments, Alcaraz has never progressed beyond the quarter-finals at Melbourne Park. To change that narrative in 2025, he is laser-focused on addressing a lingering issue in his game—his serve. The young Spaniard, currently ranked World No. 3, has spent the offseason refining this crucial weapon, aiming to improve its power, precision, and rhythm.
Identifying the Problem with Alcaraz’s Serve
While Alcaraz’s game is well-rounded, his serve has often been considered the weakest link in his arsenal. Speaking to journalists ahead of the tournament, Alcaraz admitted that mastering his serve has been a challenging process.
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“I just worked as much as I could during the pre-season to do a good serve. Right now, I am still thinking about it. I am still reminding myself how I have to do it,” Alcaraz shared. “Every day is getting better and better and feeling better and better with it. We knew I had to change something in the serve to be better on it.”
Despite his dedication, the road to improvement has not been without obstacles. Alcaraz explained that he occasionally struggles to execute the proper technique during practice and matches, leading to moments of doubt. “I think there are sometimes that I feel there is a problem with it because sometimes in the matches that I played or in the practice, I am not doing the right things,” he admitted. “So, I have to keep thinking about it.”
A Strategic Adjustment: Improving Rhythm and Precision
One key area of focus for Alcaraz and his coach, former World No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero, has been improving the rhythm of his serve. During an exhibition match against Alex de Minaur leading up to the Australian Open, Alcaraz’s first serve averaged approximately 10 kilometers per hour slower than his opponent’s. This performance underscored the adjustments he is experimenting with to find a consistent rhythm.
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“Good rhythm. Before, probably one of the big issues I had on the serve was the rhythm,” Alcaraz explained. “I didn’t get the good rhythm. With this one, I think I am going to get the good rhythm to hit it in the right spot every time. I have to be more precise on the serve.”
The Spanish star and his team understand that a reliable serve is not just about power but also about timing and placement. By focusing on hitting the “right spot” consistently, Alcaraz aims to reduce unforced errors and gain more free points, particularly on crucial occasions.
The Challenge of Transitioning to a New Technique
Adjusting a serve, or any major aspect of a player’s game, is no small feat—especially for someone competing at the highest level. Alcaraz has acknowledged the mental toll of overthinking his serve during matches, but he remains optimistic that the changes will soon become second nature.
“It is something that I will take in really good,” Alcaraz said. “I will serve without thinking about it, and it will be natural, but right now, I am still thinking about it. I believe that I will adapt, and it is going to be natural.”
The process requires patience, discipline, and a willingness to endure setbacks. However, Alcaraz is confident that these adjustments will ultimately elevate his game and help him achieve his goal of winning the Australian Open.
Alcaraz’s Quest for a Career Grand Slam
Victory at Melbourne Park would make Alcaraz the youngest male player in history to win all four Grand Slam titles. Having already conquered the US Open, French Open, and Wimbledon, the Australian Open remains the final frontier for the young Spaniard.
Alcaraz’s previous appearances at the tournament have shown glimpses of his potential. However, he has yet to fully translate his dominance on other surfaces to the hard courts of Melbourne. Improving his serve is a crucial step in bridging that gap and giving himself the best chance to compete against the world’s elite players.
The Competitive Landscape at the Australian Open
The Australian Open draw promises stiff competition, with Alcaraz facing challenges from established stars like Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, and Stefanos Tsitsipas, as well as rising talents such as Jannik Sinner and Holger Rune. In such a competitive field, even small improvements in Alcaraz’s serve could make a significant difference.
Coach Juan Carlos Ferrero remains optimistic about Alcaraz’s chances, emphasizing that the team has made considerable progress in recent weeks. “We’ve been working hard on his rhythm and precision,” Ferrero said. “Carlos has all the tools to succeed, and with a few adjustments, I believe he can achieve great things in Melbourne.”
A Bright Future for Alcaraz
Regardless of the outcome at this year’s Australian Open, Alcaraz’s focus on continual improvement highlights why he is considered one of the sport’s most promising stars. At just 21, he has already demonstrated the maturity and work ethic required to sustain a long and successful career.
Alcaraz’s determination to refine his serve is a testament to his commitment to excellence. By addressing this area of his game, he is not only increasing his chances of success at Melbourne Park but also setting himself up for sustained dominance in the years to come.
