Renowned tennis coach Rick Macci, who famously mentored Serena and Venus Williams during their formative years, has pinpointed a single adjustment that could propel world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz to unprecedented heights: overhauling his serve. In a recent interview on the Served podcast with Andy Roddick (aired September 25, 2025), Macci—a coach to legends like Maria Sharapova and Andy Roddick himself—praised the 22-year-old Spaniard’s all-court brilliance but warned that his serve remains a vulnerability holding him back from “another level.” This comes amid Alcaraz’s injury-hit Japan Open campaign, where he’s advanced to the quarterfinals despite a lingering ankle sprain, setting up a clash with Ben Shelton on September 28.
Macci’s Verdict: “Watch Out” If Alcaraz Fixes His Serve
Macci, reflecting on Alcaraz’s 2025 dominance—seven titles, including back-to-back French Open crowns and a US Open defense—didn’t mince words on the Served episode:
> “Alcaraz is going to another level if he makes one change – and that’s his serve. If he can get that weapon to where it needs to be, watch out.”
He elaborated that Alcaraz’s current serve, while effective (averaging 78% first-serve points won this year), lacks the explosive variety and consistency to dominate rallies against elite returners like Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic. Macci suggested tweaks like boosting second-serve speed (currently around 95 mph) or adding slice/spin variations to prevent opponents from teeing off—echoing critiques from Alcaraz’s US Open final win over Sinner (where his serve win percentage dipped to 68% in key sets). “He’s already a phenom, but that serve upgrade? Game over for the field,” Macci added, drawing parallels to how he honed Serena’s serve into a weapon during her 1990s ascent.
This isn’t Macci’s first Alcaraz take—in July 2025, he told TennisHead that Sinner’s Wimbledon upset exposed Alcaraz’s “gap,” urging the Spaniard to elevate post-loss (Alcaraz withdrew from Toronto for recovery but rebounded with Cincinnati and US Open titles). Macci’s optimism aligns with Patrick Mouratoglou (another Serena ex-coach), who in September called Alcaraz “on track to be the greatest ever” despite Sinner’s challenge.
Alcaraz’s Response: Open to Evolution Amid Injury Woes
Alcaraz, who’s battled minor niggles all year (elbow in Madrid, quad in Rome, ankle in Tokyo), has hinted at serve refinements in recent pressers. Post his gritty 6-3, 6-4 Japan Open win over Shelton (firing 10 aces despite pain), he told reporters: “I’m always working on every shot—serve included. To stay No. 1, you evolve.” His coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, has emphasized biomechanics tweaks for more power without strain, per a Guardian profile.
Fans on X are divided: Some echo Macci (“Serve’s his kryptonite—fix it and he’s GOAT material,” one post with 2K likes), while others defend his 90% win rate (“He doesn’t need changes—Sinner’s the one reacting”). With Shanghai Masters looming (October 6 start) and Year-End No. 1 in his grasp (leading Sinner 8,500-7,200 in the race), a serve glow-up could cement Alcaraz’s era.
Macci’s advice? A timely nudge for the “King of Swing” to sharpen his crown jewel. If history’s any guide, Alcaraz thrives on challenges—watch this space for serve 2.0. 🎾
