Carlos Alcaraz has been accused of replicating the service motion of Novak Djokovic.
Alcaraz has been praised for the change he has made, which the Spaniard had worked on during the off-season.
However, there have been suggestions that he took some inspiration from one of his rivals, with even Djokovic reacting to Alcaraz’s serve.
After Alcaraz continued his flawless start to the Australian Open this year, he was asked about Djokovic’s serve.
Carlos Alcaraz explains what makes Novak Djokovic’s serve ‘really good’
Alcaraz faced his toughest opposition yet at the Australian Open against 19th seed Tommy Paul, but he still managed to win in straight sets, claiming a 7-6(6) 6-4 7-5 victory.
After beating the American, Alcaraz spoke in his post-match press conference, where he was asked about the Djokovic serve comparisons.
Djokovic’s serve is often called underrated, and Alcaraz explained that it is not the speed that makes it so impressive.
“Well, yeah, for him, I would say he doesn’t hit the fastest serve, but is super accurate,” said Alcaraz. Like, you cannot read it. It’s really, really difficult to read it.
“It is really close to the lines, and his ball is, like, a sleeper when it touch the ground. Yeah, as I said, it’s really difficult to see it and to return it.
“That what makes, you know, his serve really good one, but yeah, it’s not the fastest one. Sometimes you’ve got to go for the precisions more than the speed.”
Who will win the 2026 Australian Open?
Who has served better out of Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open so far?
Alcaraz has now played four matches at the Australian Open this year, as he has now equalled his best previous result at the tournament by reaching the quarterfinals.
While he is yet to drop a set at this year’s tournament, Alcaraz is actually behind Djokovic on four serving statistics.
Why do you think Carlos Alcaraz has struggled at the Australian Open in the past?
2021 Australian Open – 1R
2022 Australian Open – 3R
2024 Australian Open – QF
2025 Australian Open – QF
Djokovic has only played three matches at the Australian Open so far this year, but on average has hit more aces per match, had a marginally higher first serve percentage, won more points on first serve and had his serve broken less times.
| Australian Open 2026 | Carlos Alcaraz’s Serve (4 Matches) | Novak Djokovic’s Serve (3 Matches) |
| Aces | 25 (Average of 6.25 per match) | 30 (Average of 10 per match) |
| Double Faults | 5 (Average of 1.25 per match) | 10 (Average of 3.3 per match) |
| First Serve % | 68% | 68.3% |
| First Serve Win % | 74.5% | 85.3% |
| Second Serve Win % | 61.75% | 61.3% |
| Games Broken | 5 (Average of 1.25 per match) | 3 (Average of 1 per match) |
This will be put to the test in his fourth round match, as he takes on 16th seed Jakub Mensik, who beat Djokovic in the Miami Open final last year.
While Alcaraz, who is bidding to complete the Career Slam at the Australian Open this year, will await the winner of the match between Alex de Minaur and Alexander Bublik.
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