Carlos Alcaraz, one of tennis’ brightest young stars, has been receiving advice from some of the sport’s top minds as he prepares for a deep run at the upcoming US Open. Recently, Serena Williams’ former coach, Rick Macci, weighed in on what the Spanish sensation needs to tweak in his game to elevate his performance on the biggest stage.
Macci, who has coached legends like Serena and Venus Williams, believes that while Alcaraz possesses immense talent, there are a few adjustments he could make to sharpen his competitive edge. Speaking in a recent interview, Macci emphasized the importance of strategic patience and refining shot selection, especially in high-pressure moments.
“Carlos has every shot in the book, but sometimes having too many options can be a curse,” Macci explained. “He’s aggressive by nature, which is great, but he needs to pick his moments more carefully. If he learns when to pull back and when to go full throttle, he’s going to be even more dangerous.”
Alcaraz’s dynamic style has electrified fans and earned him comparisons to Rafael Nadal, but Macci believes the young star is still mastering the mental aspects of championship tennis. “Carlos plays with his heart, but at the US Open, you also have to play with your head. Small decisions can change the outcome of a match,” Macci noted.
Another key area Macci highlighted is Alcaraz’s serve. While powerful, Macci suggests that a slight tweak in his service motion could add more consistency and reduce double faults. “His serve is solid, but there’s room for improvement in placement and rhythm. At the US Open, those free points will be crucial,” Macci added.
Despite the critiques, Macci was full of praise for Alcaraz’s rapid rise and work ethic. He emphasized that the Spaniard’s willingness to learn and evolve will serve him well as he matures on tour.
As Alcaraz prepares to chase his second Grand Slam title in New York, insights from respected figures like Rick Macci could be the fine margins that make the difference. With the US Open approaching, fans are eager to see how the young star will implement these lessons and rise to the occasion.