Juan Carlos Ferrero Reveals the One Shot Carlos Alcaraz is Trying to Change in Pre-Season Ahead of the Australian Open
As the 2024 tennis season approaches, much of the spotlight in the men’s game is once again focused on Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, who has quickly established himself as one of the brightest stars on the ATP Tour. Alcaraz, who stormed onto the scene in 2022 with his victory at the US Open and quickly became the youngest player to reach No. 1 in the ATP rankings, is aiming to solidify his place at the top of the sport as the new season begins. His journey to becoming a true tennis great is still in its early stages, but it’s already been clear that his talent and hunger for success are unparalleled.
Ahead of his highly anticipated return to action at the Australian Open in 2024, Alcaraz is working diligently with his coach, former World No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero, to fine-tune his game during the pre-season. While Alcaraz’s game is already impressively well-rounded, Ferrero recently revealed an interesting detail about the specific area of Alcaraz’s game that they have been focusing on improving: the forehand. This shot, which has been one of Alcaraz’s biggest weapons, is the subject of some subtle yet crucial adjustments in his pre-season training as the young Spaniard looks to enhance his already formidable arsenal.
Alcaraz’s forehand is one of the most explosive shots in modern tennis. With its power, spin, and precision, it’s often one of the key factors in his ability to dictate play and overpower opponents. The 20-year-old’s ability to hit winners off the forehand side has been a hallmark of his rise to the top, but Ferrero explained that even the most dominant players in the world need to continue refining their game. For Alcaraz, the goal during the pre-season is not to overhaul his forehand, but to make it even more efficient and reliable, allowing him to have a greater margin for error while maintaining its offensive power.
According to Ferrero, the main adjustment they are working on involves increasing the consistency of Alcaraz’s forehand, particularly in longer rallies. While Alcaraz’s aggressive nature and attacking mindset have served him well, Ferrero believes that improving the reliability of the forehand will allow Alcaraz to maintain his offensive play while minimizing unforced errors. “Carlos is already a brilliant player, but every part of his game can improve, even the things that seem perfect. He has a big forehand, but he needs to make sure he’s always in control of it,” Ferrero said in a recent interview.
The pre-season has been a crucial time for Alcaraz to refine the technical aspects of his game. As Ferrero points out, tennis is a sport where small improvements can make a huge difference in the heat of competition, especially in high-stakes tournaments like the Australian Open. The forehand is particularly important on the hard courts of Melbourne, where the ball tends to bounce higher and faster, demanding that players be precise in their shot selection and execution. For Alcaraz, improving the consistency of his forehand is essential to ensure he can keep up with the intensity of the game, especially against players with strong counter-attacking skills.
One of the aspects of Alcaraz’s forehand that Ferrero is aiming to refine is the angle and depth of his shots. While Alcaraz’s forehand has been a weapon due to its ability to generate explosive power and depth, Ferrero believes that adjusting the angles slightly will allow Alcaraz to create more space on the court, forcing opponents out of position and opening up opportunities to hit winners from difficult positions. The goal is to give Alcaraz more options when approaching rallies, allowing him to be more unpredictable and versatile in his shot selection.
The relationship between Alcaraz and Ferrero has played a significant role in the young Spaniard’s rapid rise in the tennis world. Ferrero, a former French Open champion, has been instrumental in guiding Alcaraz through the pressures of being at the top of the game. Known for his calm and methodical approach, Ferrero has helped Alcaraz develop a more tactical and measured mindset to complement his natural athleticism and flair. This combination of raw talent and thoughtful strategy has made Alcaraz a serious contender in every tournament he enters, and the improvements to his forehand are just one example of the way Ferrero has helped Alcaraz focus on the details that can make a big difference in his performances.
Ferrero’s insights into Alcaraz’s development reflect a deep understanding of the game and an awareness of what it takes to succeed at the highest level. While the forehand is the focus of their work during the pre-season, Ferrero also emphasized that Alcaraz is continuing to work on other aspects of his game, including his serve, return of serve, and movement. The pre-season is a time for players to assess their strengths and weaknesses and make adjustments before the intense competition of the ATP calendar kicks off, and for Alcaraz, the improvements to his forehand are just one piece of the puzzle.
The Australian Open, set to begin in January 2024, will be Alcaraz’s first major challenge of the year. The hard courts of Melbourne are known for their speed and consistency, making it a tournament where power players can excel. Alcaraz’s aggressive playing style will be well-suited to the conditions, but the improvements to his forehand will be crucial in helping him navigate the long rallies and intense pressure that the Australian Open often presents. With his previous success at the US Open and his consistent dominance on all surfaces, Alcaraz is poised to make a deep run at Melbourne Park, but only if his game continues to evolve and adapt.
As Alcaraz heads into the new season, his work on his forehand is indicative of the growth mindset that has helped him rise to the top of the tennis world. The willingness to tweak and refine even the most successful elements of his game shows that Alcaraz is determined to reach new heights in his career. This commitment to improvement, combined with his natural talent and work ethic, will no doubt make him a force to be reckoned with in 2024 and beyond.
For tennis fans, the prospect of seeing Alcaraz play with an even more polished forehand is an exciting one. With the Australian Open just around the corner, Alcaraz’s fans are eager to see how the improvements to his game will manifest in matches against the best players in the world. As for Ferrero, the goal is clear: to help Alcaraz take the next step in his journey, building on his already impressive achievements and ensuring that his game remains at the highest level for years to come. With the Australian Open on the horizon, the world will be watching closely to see if the changes to Alcaraz’s forehand will help him secure another major title.