“Is a long winding road of ups and downs”: Former Serena Williams’ coach offers key advice to Carlos Alcaraz for improved in 2025

Former Serena Williams’ coach Rick Macci shared his thoughts on Carlos Alcaraz's confidence as the 2025 season approaches. The American praised the 4-time Grand Slam champion but cautioned that improvements to his first serve are essential if he wants to overcome inconsistencies.

The 21-year-old Spaniard had a remarkable season, capturing four titles, including the Channel Slam with triumphs at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. However, he also suffered several early-round losses to lower-ranked players, exposing a lack of consistency that cost him the year-end World No. 1 ranking, finishing instead at No. 3.

Macci reveals what Carlos Alcaraz must improve 

Alcaraz’s inconsistency became evident when comparing his non-major titles points to those of Jannik Sinner. Excluding the 4,000 points earned from his French Open and Wimbledon titles, Alcaraz accumulated just 3,010 points this year. In contrast, Sinner amassed 7,830 points when excluding his Australian Open and US Open victories, highlighting the gap between the two.

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Alcaraz has already set his sights on the Australian Open as a key target for 2025, aiming to complete the Career Grand Slam. If successful, he would become the youngest player to achieve this feat, surpassing Rafael Nadal, who accomplished it at 24 years and five months. Alcaraz could claim the record at 21 years and eight months.

Rick Macci pointed out that Alcaraz’s first serve could be the game-changer in his pursuit of consistency and dominance: "The X factor for the Spanish Magician will be the first serve percentage,” he posted on his X account. “With a science-based approach, the external shoulder rotation and counter rotation of the spine can be refined. Perhaps adopting a platform stance to prevent his weight from shifting too soon could yield better results."

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Macci also highlighted the mental aspect of the sport: "A career is a long winding road of ups, downs, winning, and losing. MR. Confidence is a fleeting thing you cannot buy over the INTERNET, but with it, you take more chances hitting earlier and harder over the NET," he wrote on social media.

After a demanding season, Alcaraz is now in his off-season and will be one of the few top players starting their 2025 campaign directly at the Australian Open. Alongside Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev, Alcaraz has opted to skip warm-up tournaments, focusing solely on the season’s first Grand Slam.