Carlos Alcaraz will get his 2026 season underway later this month as he continues his already legendary career.
The Spaniard put together a phenomenal campaign in 2025, having won eight tour-level titles, including two Grand Slams at Roland Garros and the US Open.
He also reclaimed world number one status from his rival, Jannik Sinner, and finished the year in the top spot.
Last month, Alcaraz parted ways with Juan Carlos Ferrero in a shocking move, with former assistant coach Samuel Lopez taking the reins for now.
In practice with Lopez ahead of the new season, the 22-year-old appears to be working on a new service motion, which fans think is very similar to that of Novak Djokovic.
Fans notice a big change in Carlos Alcaraz’s serve
A new video emerged on X, formerly known as Twitter, showing Alcaraz take back his racket with a more relaxed wrist, akin to Djokovic’s motion.
How would you feel if Juan Carlos Ferrero returned to coach Carlos Alcaraz now?
One fan said of the video: “It’s looking very similar to Djokovic’s serve, which was improved by the great Goran [Ivanisevic].”
Another fan stated: “Very similar to Djokovic’s. Alcaraz to win at least three slams this year.”
This fan put: “Carlos and Jannik are each trying to improve their games year after year by trying to integrate more of Novak’s game into their own.”
One user said: “That wrist movement is so Djokovic!”
The prediction Serena Williams’ former coach once made about Carlos Alcaraz’s serve
In previous years, Alcaraz’s serve, while still effective, was arguably the weakest part of his game.
That has certainly changed over the past year, with the six-time Grand Slam champion turning it into one of his biggest strengths.
In 2024, Serena Williams’ former coach, Rick Macci, suggested that improving his serve is exactly what is needed to reach world number one status once again.
What Carlos Alcaraz and other pundits have said about his inconsistency
As per Tennis 365, Macci said: “The key for Alcaraz will be his serve and getting free lunches or setting the table to eat right away.
“If his spots and percentages get better on the first serve, and this is with a few biomechanical adaptations, the Spanish Magician for many years [will] be in the pole position.”
Alcaraz will hope to complete the Career Grand Slam at the upcoming Australian Open.
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