Carlos Alcaraz is working at full speed during the off-season at the Juan Carlos Ferrero Academy, making significant adjustments to his game as he looks to counter the strengths of Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev. The Spanish World No. 3 is leaving no detail unchecked.
According to Marca, the four-time Grand Slam champion has been testing various Babolat rackets in recent weeks, experimenting with different weights in the racket’s neck. Coach Juan Carlos Ferrero aims to generate more speed in Alcaraz's forehand and has reportedly decided to add five grams using lead tape.
“It’s an additional aid for his strokes. With the acceleration he generates, he will gain power and weight on the ball,” explained Samuel Lopez, a coach who recently joined Alcaraz's team. “With his high-quality ball-striking, a heavier racket allows him to maximise the energy of the incoming shot just by making contact out in front. This has been especially noticeable on his returns.”
The team has also tested different string setups, aiming to counter opponents like Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev. This adjustment is notable, as adding weight to the racket’s neutral area is more common among players with flatter shots, like Sebastian Korda or Tallon Griekspoor.
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Alcaraz has also made changes to his serve. Previously, he paused twice when drawing his racket back, a routine he reduced to one pause during the clay swing of 2024. Now, he has eliminated the pauses entirely, creating a smoother service motion and aiming to improve his first-serve percentage.
In 2024, Alcaraz surrendered his serve 105 times and committed 119 double faults. "I’d like to improve my serve. It’s obvious I need to,” he said after the ATP Finals in Turin.
This off-season, Alcaraz has chosen to prioritise pre-competitive work, opting not to participate in tournaments before the Australian Open. He remains in Spain as he prepares for Melbourne, where he will seek to complete the Career Grand Slam.
Carlos Alcaraz practicing earlier today. We're so ready for the #australianopen pic.twitter.com/ELhWVvBYcI
— carlosalcarazfans (@alcarazgirlies) January 3, 2025
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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