Alcaraz's changes to counter his rivals

Carlos Alcaraz will start 2025 with the ambition of winning the Australian Open and completing his first career Grand Slam at just 21 years of age.

But in the face of competition from defending champion Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev, the world No.3 has had to make changes during his pre-season to give himself the means to go after the one Grand Slam he lacks.

According to Marca, Alcaraz decided to add an extra five grams to his racket to give him more forehand speed.

"With the acceleration he has, he'll gain in power and in relation to the weight of the ball.

With his quality of impact, with a heavier racket, just touching the ball in front of you allows you to get more power in the way it arrives," said his new co-coach Samuel Lopez.