Alcaraz's Serve Shows Clear Djokovic Influence at Australian Open
Carlos Alcaraz displayed a significantly upgraded serve during his first-round match at the 2026 Australian Open. The young Spanish star secured a straight-sets victory on Sunday, but the real story was the technical transformation of his service motion.
Observers immediately noticed the striking similarities between Alcaraz's new serve and Novak Djokovic's signature delivery. Side-by-side comparisons of both players serving in Melbourne this week, alongside footage of Alcaraz at last year's US Open, reveal unmistakable parallels.
Technical Changes Mirror Djokovic's Style
The most obvious change involves Alcaraz's stance and motion. His service stance has become noticeably tighter, with his feet positioned closer together. He has adopted Djokovic's distinctive starting position, complete with a curled-up right wrist that holds the racquet facing downward.
These adjustments create several advantages:
- Smoother motion that generates power without excessive body strain
- Improved control through a closed racquet face at contact
- Better ball placement without sacrificing serving velocity
- Reduced shoulder separation that minimizes jumping requirements
Alcaraz's team has worked throughout the past year to refine what was previously a somewhat jerky service motion. Their solution appears to borrow heavily from Djokovic's playbook.
Djokovic's Reaction and Coaching Influence
Novak Djokovic has taken notice of the imitation. The 24-time Grand Slam champion joked about seeking compensation, suggesting he deserves a percentage of Alcaraz's winnings. "Every ace, I expect a tribute to me," Djokovic remarked with evident amusement.
Djokovic's own serve represents years of refinement, largely through his five-year coaching partnership with Goran Ivanisevic. Together they developed a service motion that prioritizes accuracy without sacrificing power, while minimizing physical strain on Djokovic's body.
The Serbian's technique remains slightly superior in execution, particularly in his straighter elbow position and lower racquet placement. These subtle differences allow Djokovic a more relaxed and precise swing through the service motion.
Strategic Implications for Alcaraz's Game
This technical upgrade arrives at a crucial moment in Alcaraz's career. While the 26-year-old has developed an increasingly complete tennis arsenal, his serve has remained one area with room for improvement. The Djokovic-inspired changes address this directly.
Alcaraz demonstrated the effectiveness of his new serve during his Australian Open opener. The smoother motion produced both power and precision, suggesting this adjustment could become a permanent feature of his game.
The three comparative images circulating among tennis analysts tell a compelling story. They document the transformation of a good serve into what appears destined to become a class-leading weapon. Djokovic's influence is unmistakable, from the curled wrist to the compact stance.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will remain on Alcaraz's serve. This technical borrowing from one of tennis's all-time greats could prove instrumental in his quest for another Grand Slam title. The upgrade represents both a tribute to Djokovic's enduring influence and a smart strategic move by the younger champion.
