Andy Roddick, the former US Open champion and world-renowned serve expert, recently came to the defense of Carlos Alcaraz’s coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, after publicly expressing concerns over Alcaraz’s serve. Roddick’s comments follow a string of critiques aimed at the young Spaniard’s recent struggles on the court, particularly his inability to secure a title since his Wimbledon victory in July 2023. Despite consistent performances and deep runs in several tournaments, Alcaraz’s trophy drought has sparked questions about potential weaknesses in his game and even suggestions from fans that he might benefit from a coaching change.
Alcaraz, currently ranked World No. 2, made it to the quarterfinals of the 2024 Australian Open, where he suffered a comprehensive defeat to Germany’s Alexander Zverev. This latest loss only added fuel to the ongoing debate about the state of Alcaraz’s serve, a crucial aspect of his game that some argue has not kept pace with his otherwise remarkable development as a player.
In an episode of the *Served with Andy Roddick* podcast, Roddick discussed Alcaraz’s serving issues with tennis journalist Jon Wertheim. Roddick observed a noticeable decline in both the pace and movement of Alcaraz’s serve, remarking that opponents are finding it easier to anticipate and return. According to Roddick, Alcaraz’s serve lacks the explosive bite that players need to assert control over their service games, leaving him more vulnerable against top-tier competitors. Reflecting on Alcaraz’s early career highlights, Roddick noted that during his 2022 Miami Open win, Alcaraz was serving at an impressive 135 mph, whereas now, his serve averages around 127 mph. This drop, though not extreme, may be impacting Alcaraz’s effectiveness, as elite opponents can return serves with greater ease, often setting up counterattacks.
Roddick explained that Alcaraz’s current serving style lacks movement or “tail”—the subtle slice or spin that makes a serve harder to predict and return effectively. “It feels like people are able to firm up his first serve when he goes after it,” Roddick said, adding that Alcaraz needs to “create a little bit of tail” to add unpredictability to his serve. He pointed out that Alcaraz’s slice serve is especially problematic, as it lacks the angle or curve necessary to challenge his opponents. In modern men’s tennis, the serve is often viewed as a player’s most powerful weapon, providing a significant edge if executed effectively. For Alcaraz, however, the serve appears to have become more of a liability, particularly when matched against players capable of handling high-speed shots with ease.
Roddick’s critical assessment of Alcaraz’s serve was quickly picked up by fans on social media, with one user suggesting that Alcaraz should consider hiring a new coach to focus on improving this particular aspect of his game. “Andy Roddick right on spot. Alcaraz needs a different coach who can teach him how to serve,” the user wrote. This comment implied that Juan Carlos Ferrero, who has been Alcaraz’s full-time coach and a guiding force in his rise to the top of the ATP rankings, might not be the right mentor to address the player’s current needs.
Roddick, however, was quick to dismiss the idea that a coaching change was necessary. He praised Ferrero’s contributions to Alcaraz’s career, emphasizing that Alcaraz has made tremendous progress under Ferrero’s guidance. In response to the social media post, Roddick wrote, “He [Carlos Alcaraz] definitely doesn’t need another coach. JCF [Juan Carlos Ferrero] has been amazing. Saying his serve hasn’t improved doesn’t mean he hasn’t improved. Night and day from where he was two years ago. They’ve done amazing work.”
Ferrero, a former World No. 1 and French Open champion, has been instrumental in transforming Alcaraz from a promising junior player into one of the brightest stars in tennis. Known for his strategic insight and deep understanding of the game, Ferrero has guided Alcaraz in developing an aggressive, all-court playing style that capitalizes on his speed, power, and athleticism. Since working with Ferrero, Alcaraz has not only won the US Open but also claimed the Wimbledon title, establishing himself as a formidable presence on both hard and grass courts.
Roddick’s defense of Ferrero underscores a broader perspective on player-coach relationships in tennis. Coaching partnerships often go beyond technical adjustments, as they encompass mental and emotional support, strategy, and confidence-building. Ferrero’s influence on Alcaraz has clearly been positive, as evidenced by the player’s impressive rise and consistent performances. The decision to retain or replace a coach is rarely taken lightly in professional tennis, as continuity can be essential to a player’s success, especially for younger talents like Alcaraz.
Roddick’s comments bring to light an interesting dynamic in tennis: even the most successful players have areas for improvement. Alcaraz’s relative struggles with his serve suggest that his development is still ongoing, and refining his serve could be a key factor in breaking his recent title drought. As Roddick pointed out, enhancing the serve’s movement and adding variety could make a substantial difference, allowing Alcaraz to regain his edge and better compete against rivals like Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, and Daniil Medvedev.
As Alcaraz and Ferrero continue their journey together, the focus will likely shift to addressing these specific weaknesses while preserving the unique strengths that have propelled the young Spaniard to the top of the sport. The partnership has already yielded remarkable results, and with further refinement, particularly in the service game, Alcaraz has the potential to further solidify his place among the tennis elite. Whether or not he wins another title in the short term, Alcaraz’s journey is a testament to the importance of skillful coaching, resilience, and the pursuit of continuous improvement. For fans, Roddick’s insight offers a reminder of the complexities of professional tennis and the meticulous work required to maintain peak performance at the highest levels.