Statistics: Has Alcaraz's Serve Improved Since 2024?
The media outlet "Punto De Break" analyzed the Spaniard's serve and compared it to the year 2024.
Using TennisViz Insights and TDI Data, the Spanish media drew the following conclusions:
While the average speed of the first serve remains at 121 mph and the first-serve percentage hardly changes (65%), there is a shift in terms of accuracy. Alcaraz is now landing his first serve 61 centimeters from the lines, compared to 65 centimeters last year.
"In other words, he has continued to aim closer to the lines, take more risks, and seek more direct serves. He is still a bit far from the tour average (58cm), but it seems that with this new serve, the first serve has gained a bit more aggressiveness and fluidity," states the Spanish media.
Regarding the second serve, things have changed. The speed has decreased (99 mph compared to 101 mph) and so has the effectiveness (22.70% compared to 25.10%).
Winning returns on second serves have also increased for his opponents. Additionally, Alcaraz is committing more double faults (8.80% compared to 7% in 2024).
"The issue with a more attackable second serve is that opponents notice it and start positioning themselves further inside the court to return.
The Spaniard needs to determine which tactics to apply with his new serve to prevent this trend from continuing and to avoid opponents causing him more damage."
