“Is a Long Winding Road of Ups and Downs”: Former Serena Williams’ Coach Offers Key Advice to Carlos Alcaraz for Improved 2025
Carlos Alcaraz is undoubtedly one of the most exciting talents to emerge in men’s tennis in recent years. At just 21 years old, he has already made a huge impact on the ATP Tour, winning his first Grand Slam title at the US Open in 2022 and solidifying his place among the game’s elite players with his victory at Wimbledon in 2023. However, despite his undeniable talent and remarkable achievements at such a young age, Alcaraz’s journey has not been without its challenges. Like any tennis player, Alcaraz faces the constant pressure of maintaining his form, dealing with injuries, and navigating the mental and emotional challenges that come with being a top-level athlete.
In a recent interview, former coach of tennis legend Serena Williams, Patrick Mouratoglou, offered some valuable advice to Alcaraz as he prepares for the 2025 season. Mouratoglou, who has a wealth of experience working with elite players and guiding them through both the highs and lows of their careers, shared his thoughts on how Alcaraz can improve and continue to grow as a player in the coming year. His insights are particularly timely as Alcaraz looks to build on his already impressive career and maintain his place at the top of the men’s game.
A Rollercoaster Journey Ahead
Mouratoglou’s advice to Alcaraz is rooted in the understanding that a career in tennis is rarely a smooth, unbroken ascent to the top. Instead, as he put it, “It’s a long, winding road of ups and downs.” This statement speaks to the inherent volatility of professional tennis, where players experience both triumph and heartbreak in quick succession. For Alcaraz, this has been a reality he has already encountered at a young age.
In 2024, Alcaraz experienced a series of highs and lows, with periods of stunning form followed by frustrating injuries. He impressed many with his tenacity and skill, but like many players before him, he has faced the challenge of staying consistent and overcoming the mental and physical hurdles that come with being one of the top-ranked players in the world. Mouratoglou, who worked with Williams during one of the most successful periods of her career, understands better than most what it takes to handle these ups and downs.
Mouratoglou emphasized that Alcaraz’s career will inevitably feature moments of disappointment and frustration, but he also pointed out that these moments can serve as valuable learning experiences. For any young player, especially one as talented as Alcaraz, it is essential to understand that setbacks are a part of the journey and should be embraced rather than feared.
“Carlos is incredibly talented, and we’ve seen him perform at the highest level,” Mouratoglou said. “But he’s still young, and his journey is only just beginning. He needs to be prepared for the inevitable ups and downs. When things aren’t going well, it’s important to stay mentally strong, focus on the process, and not get lost in the results.”
Handling the Pressure of Success
One of the most important pieces of advice that Mouratoglou shared with Alcaraz was to handle the pressure of success with maturity and composure. As a player who has already won multiple Grand Slam titles, including the US Open and Wimbledon, Alcaraz has become one of the faces of the next generation of tennis stars. With his rapid rise to fame, there is an increasing level of expectation from both the tennis world and the public. This can be both motivating and overwhelming.
Mouratoglou, who has been at the heart of Serena Williams’ career, an athlete who dealt with constant pressure throughout her reign as one of the sport’s greatest players, has a unique perspective on how athletes can manage the weight of expectation. He stressed that while success can be a powerful driving force, it can also lead to mental fatigue if not properly managed.
“Serena has faced an incredible amount of pressure throughout her career, and part of what made her so successful was her ability to compartmentalize that pressure,” Mouratoglou explained. “Carlos has the same potential, but it’s crucial for him to understand that he doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone. The most important thing is to stay focused on his own journey and his own improvement.”
According to Mouratoglou, Alcaraz must ensure that he does not get too caught up in the external factors that can distract him, such as comparisons to other players or the media’s constant scrutiny. Instead, Mouratoglou emphasized the need for Alcaraz to set his own goals and measure his success against those personal targets, rather than being overly influenced by external validation.
Improving Consistency
While Alcaraz’s talent is undeniable, consistency has been one area where he has struggled at times. In 2024, for example, although he secured impressive wins at major tournaments, there were also moments where he failed to live up to expectations in matches that seemed winnable. This inconsistency is not uncommon among young players, especially those who experience such rapid rises to prominence.
Mouratoglou explained that one of the keys to long-term success in tennis is developing a consistent game. This means working on all aspects of a player’s game, from the physical to the mental, and ensuring that they can perform at a high level across a variety of surfaces and conditions. For Alcaraz, this means continuing to work on his serve, improving his mental resilience during challenging moments, and maintaining his physical fitness in order to avoid the injury setbacks that have occasionally derailed his momentum.
“When you’re young and you’re as talented as Carlos, it’s easy to rely on your natural ability,” Mouratoglou said. “But to stay at the top, he needs to build a game that’s reliable, and that takes time. He needs to be able to perform under pressure, to execute his shots in all types of matches, and to handle the physical demands of the tour.”
The Importance of the Right Team
Another crucial element in Alcaraz’s success, according to Mouratoglou, is surrounding himself with the right team. Having the support of a solid coaching team, medical staff, and mentors can make all the difference in navigating the pressures of the tour. Mouratoglou emphasized that Alcaraz’s team must ensure that he has the right balance of support without overwhelming him.
“It’s not just about the coach or the players around you, but the entire team,” Mouratoglou explained. “Carlos needs people who understand his needs, who know when to push him and when to give him space. It’s also important for him to have people who help him manage his time and energy off the court, because that’s just as important as his physical and mental work on the court.”
The Road Ahead
Looking ahead to 2025, Alcaraz is in an enviable position. He is already considered one of the top players in the world, and he has the talent and work ethic to reach even greater heights. However, as Mouratoglou pointed out, the road ahead will not be easy. Alcaraz will face greater competition, more intense scrutiny, and more frequent injury concerns as he continues his journey at the top of the sport.
Mouratoglou’s advice to Alcaraz is clear: stay grounded, stay focused, and embrace the ups and downs of the journey. If he can do that, there is no doubt that he will continue to thrive in 2025 and beyond, cementing his place as one of the future stars of men’s tennis.