Spanish tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz has openly admitted that he is astonishing himself with the remarkable performance of his renewed serve at the ongoing Australian Open 2026. The six-time Grand Slam champion, who is just 22 years old, highlighted that his serve has become an essential and powerful weapon in his game, contributing significantly to his success in the tournament so far.
Record-Breaking Achievement at a Young Age
By securing a victory over the 19th seed Tommy Paul with scores of 7-6 (8-6), 6-4, 7-5 on Sunday, Alcaraz booked his place in the quarter-finals. This upcoming match marks his 14th appearance in a Grand Slam quarter-final, setting a new record in the Open Era for the most quarter-final appearances by any player before turning 23. He surpasses previous record-holders Bjorn Borg and Boris Becker, who each reached 13 quarter-finals before their 23rd birthdays.
Alcaraz's Honest Reflection on His Serve
In a candid post-match interview, Alcaraz shared his thoughts on his serving performance. "I'm surprising myself to be honest," he said. "The serve is something I've been working on for a long time. I'm really happy to see the improvement of the serve and to have a high percentage." He emphasized that after every set, he checks the statistics on the screen to monitor his serve percentage, noting that across the four matches he has played, the serve has consistently been a crucial element of his strategy.
Djokovic's Playful Comments on Serve Similarities
Adding an interesting twist to the narrative, 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic recently joked about the similarities between his serve and Alcaraz's at this Australian Open. Djokovic humorously mentioned copyright concerns, stating that he had sent Alcaraz a message about it. "As soon as I saw it, I sent him a message. I said, we have to speak about the copyrights. Then when I saw him here, I told him we have to talk about percentage of his winnings. Every ace I expect a tribute to me. Let's see if he's going to stick to the agreement," the Serbian star remarked, showcasing the friendly rivalry and mutual respect between the two top players.
The Importance of Serve in Alcaraz's Game
Alcaraz further elaborated on why his serve has been so pivotal. He described it as an "important weapon" that has allowed him to maintain control and pressure on his opponents. The high percentage of first serves landing accurately has been a key factor in his matches, enabling him to win points efficiently and advance through the rounds with confidence.
As the Australian Open progresses, all eyes will be on Alcaraz to see if his impressive serve can carry him further in the tournament, potentially towards another Grand Slam title. His ability to surprise even himself with such improvements speaks volumes about his dedication and the continuous evolution of his game on the world stage.
