Alcaraz Adopts Djokovic's Hidden Weapon for the Australian Open

Alcaraz borrows Djokovic's hidden weapon in his bid for the Australian Open.

Alcaraz studies Djokovic's hidden weapon

Carlos Alcaraz is drawing inspiration from Novak Djokovic's improved serving, aiming to add a similar edge as he prepares for the Australian Open. Djokovic is renowned for his serve as much as his return, with a string of strong seasons since 2022. The Serbian star has turned a conventional serve into a tactical weapon, pairing pace with precision that makes it hard to disrupt.

Coaching change and a fine-tuned toss

With a new coach, Samuel Lopez, replacing Juan Carlos Ferrero, Alcaraz has returned to perfecting the toss. He and Sam are focusing on adapting the release to keep the ball on a tight arc, reducing wobble and drift. According to Marca, they use aids like a cue stick and a small basketball hoop to calibrate ball release, mirroring Djokovic's method to stabilize trajectory.

Australia Open focus and upcoming exhibition

The Spaniard began winter preparations on December 13 and is focusing on ball toss mechanics as the key to his service game. On the training court, he has dedicated sessions to visualize consistency under pressure, a habit he developed from the off-season. He is scheduled for an exhibition in South Korea against Yannick Sinner before Melbourne, then aims to lift the Australian Open trophy, the only Grand Slam title yet to crown him.

Punchline 1: If that toss lands on target, the ball might file a complaint with the umpire for excessive authority.

Punchline 2: And if Alcaraz wins Melbourne, Djokovic might retire from chasing the ball and become its official watcher.