Carlos Alcaraz has enjoyed a stellar 2025 season, despite losing the Wimbledon final to Jannik Sinner.
The 22-year-old won his fifth major title at the 2025 French Open, saving match points to defeat long-time rival Jannik Sinner in an epic five-set match.
However, he was unable to defend his Wimbledon title, losing to Sinner in the final.
The Spaniard, who has already qualified for the ATP Tour Finals in November, recently withdrew from the Canadian Open along with the likes of Novak Djokovic and Jack Draper.
However, he is set to compete at the Cincinnati Open and US Open in August, and one former coach has pinpointed an area of his game that could still be improved heading into those competitions.
Rick Macci suggests Carlos Alcaraz should switch to a platform stance
Alcaraz was recently spotted working on his net approaches and passing shots while training in Spain.
However, Rick Macci, who is credited with the early development of Serena and Venus Williams during their initial playing days in Compton, California, has suggested Carlos Alcaraz should adjust another area of his game: his positioning on serve.
The iconic coach believes Alcaraz should switch to a platform stance when serving, rather than a pinpoint stance.
Macci said: “He has every shot in the book. Most talented player on tour.
“The wildcard for Carlos is the serve. Time to dabble. He has a gun but if he switches to a platform stance with less moving parts no doubt will fire a better % of Spanish Darts.”
Both stances have been heavily utilised by various well-known players. While Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic have both used a platform stance, other stars, like Nick Kyrgios, Sam Stosur, and Serena Williams, have used a pinpoint stance.
Alcaraz certainly struggled on his first serve in the Wimbledon final, possibly legitimising Macci’s suggestion.
What is the difference between a platform stance and pinpoint stance?
A platform stance involves static use of the feet when serving. Upon tossing the ball, the player maintains the position of their feet, which are usually around shoulder width apart.
It is a simpler stance to pick up as a beginner. However, this is not to say it is less effective than the pinpoint stance. The technique has been used by some of the best servers in history, like Pete Sampras.
In contrast, the pinpoint stance involves movement of the outer leg upon tossing the ball. The outer leg steps inwards towards the most advanced foot, allowing the player to create a spring-like motion when jumping up to strike the ball.
Some of the biggest and best servers in history have used this technique, including Ivo Karlovic, John Isner and Andy Murray.
