By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Sunday, January 12, 2025
Photo: Andy Cheung/Getty
Carlos Alcaraz know all about creating successful sequels.
Alcaraz stopped the Grand Slam king Novak Djokovic to successfully defend Wimbledon last July.
The 21-year-old Spaniard captured his fourth Grand Slam crown in as many major finals—joining Roger Federer as the second man in Open Era history to win his first four Slam finals – and now stands shoulder to shoulder with the elite champions as the sixth man in history to win both Roland Garros and Wimbledon in the same season
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So what does the world number 3 do for a race?
Alcaraz has improved his service movement and hired Samuel LopezPablo Carreno Busta’s former long-time trainer as part of his training team under Coach Juan Carlos Ferrero.
“Then when Samuel, I knew I had to be with someone other than Juan Carlos who could help Juanki sometimes and travel or mix or share the tours,” Alcaraz told the media in Melbourne. “So to have someone to refresh a bit between innings will be great.
“Obviously he’s someone I trust 100%. He’s a really good coach. He was Juan Carlos’ coach when he played. He’ll be a great coach for me, I’m sure.”
A key goal for the Alcaraz coaching team: Create easier services in 2025.
Although Alcaraz can blast 130 mph plus first serves, serve with nasty spin and points in all areas of the box, he ranked just 30th on the ATP Tour in first serve points won in 2024 ( 73 percent) and was No. 12 in the vital service games won category (85.4 percent).
In contrast, the world no Jannik the Sinner was No. 1 in service games won (91.4 percent) and was second in first serve points won (79.3 percent).
Alcaraz, on the other hand, was second on the ATP Tour behind Alex de Minaur in return games won (30.79 percent).
Alcaraz said he is trying to improve his service movement to promote a smoother pace and greater consistency in his serve.
“Good pace (is the goal). Before probably one of the biggest issues I have in the serve is pace,” Alcaraz said. “I haven’t gotten into good rhythm. So I think with this one I’m going to get into good rhythm just to hit the right spot every time.
“I think there’s something I need to improve, the accuracy. I need to be more accurate on my serve. I think a good pace will help a lot. I think that’s what I’m looking for.”
