Carlos Alcaraz Claims Another Title at Rotterdam Open, Adjusts Serve for Improved Performance
Carlos Alcaraz solidifies his status as a dominant force in tennis with a convincing win at the Rotterdam Open.
The Spanish star secured his 17th career title by defeating Alex de Minaur in the final. This victory marked Alcaraz’s inaugural triumph on indoor hard courts within the ATP Tour, bolstering his reputation as a versatile and skilled player.
Interestingly, the triumph came without Alcaraz’s primary coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero. Instead, his secondary mentor, Samuel Lopez, provided guidance. Lopez will continue to support Alcaraz at the Qatar Open, where the Spaniard has been named the top seed following Jannik Sinner’s withdrawal.
Alcaraz remains on a hiatus until May after accepting a three-month ban. Despite this setback, he has spoken openly about Sinner’s verdict, discussing its impact during his time in Doha.
Alcaraz Finds Confidence in New Serve Technique
Beyond his recent victory, Alcaraz has implemented several changes to enhance his game. Notably, he has revised his serve, addressing feedback from his team to improve performance and prevent injuries.
Initially, this adjustment posed some challenges, especially during the Australian Open. However, speaking to Tennis World 20 in Doha, Alcaraz expressed optimism about the changes.
“My team and I agreed I needed to modify my serve to improve it,” he stated. “We altered the movement slightly for better flow and relaxation, which might also help prevent arm injuries. I feel confident it will be a significant asset.”
Moreover, Alcaraz has advocated for changes in the ATP Tour, highlighting frequent ball changes as a contributing factor to player injuries.
Adapting to Indoor-Outdoor Transitions
Preparing for the Qatar Open, Alcaraz faces the unique challenge of transitioning from indoor to outdoor playing surfaces. Having only a few practice sessions in Doha under his belt, he has acknowledged this change.
“You have to acclimate quickly,” Alcaraz explained. “Lighting and overall conditions are different indoors versus outdoors. It’s important to adapt in just one or two days to perform at your best.”
The world number three is determined to make the most of every practice session in Doha to ensure he can seamlessly switch between different environments.
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