Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-year-old Spanish tennis superstar, is leaving no stone unturned as he prepares for the Cincinnati Open and the US Open, the final Grand Slam of the 2025 season. Fresh off a year that saw him clinch his fifth major title at Roland Garros, the world No. 2 has been spotted honing two critical aspects of his game: net approaches and passing shots. Training at the La Manga Club Resort in Spain, Alcaraz is fine-tuning his already formidable all-court game, aiming to add even more versatility to his arsenal as he eyes his first Cincinnati title and a second US Open crown.
The young Spaniard, known for his explosive forehand and deft drop shots, was observed working diligently on his net play under the guidance of his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, and hitting partner, his brother Álvaro. This focus on net approaches is somewhat surprising given his strong performance at the net during his 2025 French Open and Wimbledon campaigns, where he won 74% of his net points in the Wimbledon final against Jannik Sinner. “It’s much better to do a not great drop shot in a great moment than a pretty good drop shot in not a good moment. You have to find the right balance,” Alcaraz has said, emphasizing the importance of timing and positioning—skills he’s now applying to his net game. His training sessions have emphasized quick transitions from baseline to net, a tactic that could prove decisive on the fast hard courts of Cincinnati and New York.
Equally critical is Alcaraz’s work on passing shots, a skill that complements his aggressive baseline style. His ability to hit precise passing shots, particularly when opponents rush the net, has been a hallmark of his game, but he’s now refining this weapon to counter the aggressive playstyles he’ll face in upcoming tournaments. During practice, Alcaraz has been seen drilling forehand and backhand passing shots, aiming to exploit opponents who venture forward. This focus is strategic, as players like Sinner and Novak Djokovic, whom Alcaraz has faced in epic 2025 battles, often pressure him with net play. His 2025 French Open final against Sinner, where he overcame a two-set deficit, showcased his passing shot prowess, but Alcaraz is determined to elevate it further.
Alcaraz’s 2025 season has been a rollercoaster of triumphs and challenges. After lifting the French Open trophy in June, defeating Sinner in a five-set thriller, he fell to the Italian in the Wimbledon final. A silver medal at the Paris Olympics followed, though Djokovic bested him in a gripping two-set tiebreak battle. “The style that the people bring to the court when they play on grass, I think is so beautiful,” Alcaraz said of his love for the surface, a sentiment that carries into his hard-court preparations. His decision to skip the Toronto Masters 1000 gave him a crucial rest period, allowing him to recharge after an intense clay and grass season. Now, with renewed energy, he’s training with “enormous intensity,” according to observers, aiming to peak for the US Open, where he won his first major in 2022 at age 19.
The Spaniard’s all-court game is already a marvel. His forehand, described as both “flat and fast” and laden with topspin, remains his most potent weapon, but his drop shot—particularly the forehand variety—has revolutionized modern tennis. Alcaraz hits forehand drop shots at a rate of 2.83 per match, with a 67.7% win rate, far surpassing the tour average. “You have to hit the shot strong, just to push him to take a few steps back,” he’s explained, highlighting how his powerful groundstrokes set up his drop shots. This tactical acumen, paired with his net and passing shot focus, makes him a formidable opponent. As American Tommy Paul noted after facing him at Wimbledon, “On the grass, once you’re on defense with him, it’s pretty difficult to get out of that defensive position. He’s so aggressive and closes the net so well.”
As Alcaraz prepares for Cincinnati, where he reached the final in 2023 but lost to Djokovic, and the US Open, where he aims to reclaim the title, his training reflects a player unwilling to rest on his laurels. With five Grand Slams, six Masters 1000 titles, and a career-high ranking of No. 1, Alcaraz’s hunger for improvement is palpable. His work at La Manga Club, focusing on net approaches and passing shots, signals a strategic evolution, blending his natural flair with calculated precision. As the tennis world watches, Alcaraz is poised to dazzle, turning practice into performance on the sport’s biggest stages.
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