Former Serena Williams’ coach Rennae Stubbs discussed the issues Carlos Alcaraz must address before the Australian Open. The 4-time Grand Slam champion will aim to complete the Career Grand Slam in Melbourne, though it’s the major where he’s felt the least comfortable in his career.
In three appearances in Melbourne, Alcaraz has only won seven matches, with his best showing being the quarterfinals in 2024, where he lost to Alexander Zverev. Stubbs highlighted Alcaraz’s biggest weaknesses and what he needs to improve to compete on hard courts against Jannik Sinner and Zverev.
"He's not getting free points" - Rennae Stubbs about Alcaraz
“It will be interesting to see how Carlos responds next year because obviously winning the French Open and Wimbledon is just unheard of,” Stubbs said on The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast. “It’s such a hard thing to do. But he has some question marks about playing on the hard courts against Sinner and Zverev, against these guys who have really big power.
“There’s a couple of knocks I have on Carlos – and we are talking about a really high level. But I think he is not a big guy, he is like 5ft 10 or 5ft 11. He needs to develop a flatter serve. He needs to develop his serve a bit better, and I think he needs to hit his spots better.
“Roger [Federer] wasn’t a big guy, but he could hit the corners like nobody else, and I think Carlos needs to get his accuracy with his serving better. If he doesn’t hit the corners better, he’s not getting free points.
“Jannik Sinner gets free point after free point, Zverev free point after free point with his big massive serve,” she added. “So I think Alcaraz, on a fast court like the US Open and Australian Open, needs to get more accurate with the first serve. I also think he needs to get just a little bit better with his shot selection.”
In 2024, Carlos Alcaraz won four titles, two of them on hard courts. First, he triumphed in Indian Wells, defeating Zverev and Sinner before overcoming Daniil Medvedev in the final. Later, he captured the China Open title in a thrilling final against Sinner, 6-7(6), 6-4, 7-6(3).
The best match of 2024? 🤩
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) December 24, 2024
The Beijing final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner was one for the ages! @carlosalcaraz @janniksin pic.twitter.com/iqjQFN75z4
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.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- I, like writer of this wonderful article, also picked Noskova to win this entire thing. I would love it if she and Andreeva are in the final.Rapunzel12-11-2026
- "Priorities", Saba... spend less time in front of cameras, anti-Social Media, selfies and back to Tennis.
mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
- Andreeva with 11 games in a row to add to Saba's downward spiral issue !!! Personal feelings aside... Jess Pegula may want to reassess her evaluation of Mirra's abilities.mandoist12-11-2026
- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.mandoist09-11-2026
- Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
