By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Sunday, January 12, 2025
Photo credit: Andy Cheung/Getty
Carlos Alcaraz is an expert in crafting remarkable sequels.
Last July, Alcaraz triumphed over Grand Slam legend Novak Djokovic, successfully defending his Wimbledon title.
At just 21, the talented Spaniard clinched his fourth Grand Slam trophy in as many finals, joining Roger Federer as only the second man in the Open Era to win his initial four Slam finals. He now stands proudly among the elite, as the sixth player in history to conquer both Roland Garros and Wimbledon in a single season.
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Alcaraz has fine-tuned his service motion and welcomed Samuel Lopez, the former coach of Pablo Carreno Busta, into his coaching ensemble alongside head coach Juan Carlos Ferrero.
“I felt it was time to collaborate with someone new alongside Juan Carlos, who could support him during tournaments by mixing up our approach,” Alcaraz shared with reporters in Melbourne. “Having someone I trust completely will truly refresh my routine between events.”
“Samuel has a remarkable coaching legacy, having worked with Juan Carlos during his career. I have no doubt he’ll be an invaluable asset to my game.”
A primary goal for Alcaraz’s coaching team: Simplify service holds for 2025.
Despite his ability to unleash serves exceeding 130 mph while spinning with precision across the court, Alcaraz ranked only No. 30 on the ATP Tour for first-serve points won in 2024 with a rate of 73 percent, and was No. 12 in the crucial category of service games won at 85.4 percent.
In stark contrast, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner led the Tour with a service games won rate of 91.4 percent and was second in first-serve points won at 79.3 percent.
On a positive note, Alcaraz ranked second on the ATP Tour in return games won, trailing only Alex de Minaur at 30.79 percent.
Alcaraz expressed his intent to refine his service motion for a more seamless rhythm and enhanced consistency.
“Establishing a good rhythm is essential. Previously, one of my biggest challenges with my serve has been maintaining that rhythm,” Alcaraz explained. “I believe that with this adjustment, I’ll be able to hit my targets consistently.”
“Precision is another area I need to improve. Achieving a better rhythm should assist greatly in that regard. It’s my primary focus moving forward.”