Carlos Alcaraz, the defending French Open champion, is turning heads at Roland Garros 2025 with a revamped serve that has become a cornerstone of his electrifying campaign. The 22-year-old Spaniard, already a four-time Grand Slam winner, has unleashed a near-flawless performance on the Parisian clay, reaching the semifinals with a commanding 6-0, 6-1, 6-4 victory over Tommy Paul in just 94 minutes. His refined serving technique, honed in the preseason, is proving to be a game-changer, propelling him toward a potential second consecutive French Open title—a feat not accomplished by a man since Rafael Nadal in 2019-20. As Alcaraz prepares to face Lorenzo Musetti in the semifinals, his serve is emerging as a weapon that could cement his legacy as one of tennis’s brightest stars.
Alcaraz’s journey through the 2025 French Open has been a masterclass in dominance, with his serve setting the tone for his aggressive, all-court game. Against Paul, the No. 2 seed struck 39 winners, including a barrage of aces and unreturnable serves, while converting six of 17 break points. “I could close my eyes and everything went in,” Alcaraz said after his quarterfinal rout, reflecting on the near-perfection of his performance. “My feeling today was unbelievable. I was trying to hit every shot at 100 per cent… not thinking about anything else, and today was one of those matches where everything went in.” His serve, now smoother and more fluid after technical adjustments, has allowed him to dictate points from the outset, a critical edge on the slow, demanding clay of Court Philippe-Chatrier.
The Spaniard’s serve overhaul, guided by coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, focused on a looser wrist and continuous motion, eliminating the pause at the peak of his toss. This tweak has boosted his first-serve speed to a consistent 115-120 mph, with improved placement that keeps opponents guessing. In earlier rounds, Alcaraz showcased this newfound weapon, dropping just two sets across his matches against Giulio Zeppieri, Fabian Marozsan, and Ben Shelton. His fourth-round clash with Shelton, a 7-6(8), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 battle, highlighted his sportsmanship as well, when he conceded a point after dropping his racket during a stunning volley. “It’s a coup de folie,” Shelton said, marveling at Alcaraz’s fair-play gesture. “I was surprised he said, ‘No, I dropped the racket.’ It’s a bit sad that point didn’t count.”
Alcaraz’s 32-2 clay-court record since May 2024, including titles in Monte Carlo and Rome, underscores his dominance on the surface. His serve has been pivotal in this run, allowing him to escape pressure situations and maintain control against aggressive opponents like Paul, who struggled with an abdominal injury and found no answer to Alcaraz’s relentless attack. “We are in the quarter-finals at a Grand Slam at Roland Garros, and this kind of match is never easy,” Alcaraz noted, acknowledging Paul’s resilience despite the lopsided scoreline. The American, who reached his first Roland Garros quarterfinal, earned a standing ovation for his lone game in the second set, but Alcaraz’s serving prowess ensured the match remained a one-sided affair.
The semifinal against Musetti, whom Alcaraz has defeated twice on clay this year, promises to test his serving consistency further. Musetti’s one-handed backhand and crafty net play pose a unique challenge, but Alcaraz’s 5-2 head-to-head lead, including wins in Monte Carlo and Rome, gives him confidence. “I always say that this tournament is so special to me,” Alcaraz said, reflecting on his love for Roland Garros. “Every time I come here, it feels special. I really want to go far in this tournament, to feel the energy from the people match after match.” His 11-match winning streak in Paris, coupled with a 20-1 clay record in 2025, positions him as the man to beat.
Beyond his serve, Alcaraz’s charisma and creativity continue to captivate fans. His ability to blend heavy topspin, deft drop shots, and explosive groundstrokes has drawn comparisons to Nadal, though he’s carving his own path. “He’s not Rafael Nadal,” one observer noted, highlighting Alcaraz’s flair and occasional inconsistency, which add to his allure. With a potential final against world No. 1 Jannik Sinner looming, Alcaraz’s serve could be the key to securing his fifth Grand Slam title and solidifying his status as the sport’s next great icon.
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