As the morning sun casts long shadows across the tennis courts, Carlos Alcaraz steps up again, driven and focused, ready to showcase the game that has captured the imagination of tennis fans worldwide. At just 20 years old, the Spanish prodigy has already made waves with his explosive playing style, combining ferocious groundstrokes, incredible court coverage, and a serve that—while impressive—is still evolving. His rapid ascent in the tennis world has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest players of all time, but like all champions, Alcaraz knows that perfection is a moving target.

Recently, a well-known voice in tennis coaching circles chimed in with advice that shows how open-minded even the brightest stars remain. Rick Macci, a legendary coach who helped develop talents such as Venus Williams and Jennifer Capriati, tweeted a suggestion that might surprise some fans: trying a “platform stance” on his serve. Macci’s exact words emphasized experimenting to find a better angle of descent over the net, explaining, “Greatness always tweaks on off week and then speaks.” In simpler terms, this means even the best players continually seek subtle adjustments to gain an edge.

But what is a platform stance, exactly? In serving, players traditionally choose between a platform stance and a pinpoint stance. The platform stance involves keeping the feet approximately shoulder-width apart during the serve motion, maintaining better balance and stability. It allows the player to stay grounded and often helps generate consistent power and control. The pinpoint stance, by contrast, involves bringing the feet closer together, which can help produce more fluid hip rotation, potentially adding power but sometimes at the expense of stability. Macci’s suggestion implies that by adopting the platform stance, Alcaraz might improve his serve’s accuracy and trajectory, possibly reducing unnecessary movement and therefore increasing efficiency.

Alcaraz’s serve statistics this season support this notion that he is already a formidable player but not without room to grow. According to the official ATP Tour records, he has a first serve percentage hovering around 64%, winning approximately 73% of those points. While these numbers are solid, they leave space for enhancement. Remarkably, Alcaraz has recorded 311 aces but also committed 165 double faults, a balance that highlights both his aggressive serving style and the potential payoff if he can improve consistency. His dominance is most evident in service games—out of 722 played, he has won a staggering 86%, underscoring his ability to maintain control under pressure.

But Alcaraz’s game extends far beyond his serve. His defensive skills and return game are equally impressive. This season, he faced 304 break points and excelled at saving approximately 68% of them, a telling statistic that illustrates his mental and physical resilience on court. Such numbers are not merely impressive stats; they speak to the hunger and adaptability of a player constantly refining his craft.

To appreciate the significance of Macci’s input, it’s helpful to look back at tennis history. Coaches like Macci have shaped the careers of legends by encouraging innovation and adaptation. For example, Pete Sampras made significant service modifications throughout his career to enhance consistency and power, and Roger Federer famously integrated new techniques and training regimens well into his 30s to maintain elite play. The great players—Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal—have all embraced change, showing that evolution is a hallmark of greatness. Alcaraz appears to be following this tradition, poised to absorb experience and guidance that will propel him forward.

Carlos Alcaraz’s story is also remarkable because of his swift rise through the ranks. In 2022, he stunned the tennis world by winning the US Open at just 19, becoming the youngest male Grand Slam champion in the Open Era since Rafael Nadal’s 2005 French Open triumph. That victory was a watershed moment, marking him as a generational talent with a fearless approach. However, his journey began much earlier—qualifying for ATP events as a teenager, his relentless work ethic and aggressive style quickly garnered attention.

What lies ahead for Alcaraz? The future seems bright but, as with all young athletes, it is not without challenges. Maintaining consistency, managing expectations, and navigating the physical and mental demands of professional tennis will test him. Yet, his openness to experiment—whether by adjusting his serve stance or refining mental strategies—signals a maturity beyond his years.

In the unpredictable theater of tennis, it’s clear Carlos Alcaraz is not just another rising star; he is a player with the potential for lasting greatness. As Rick Macci wisely noted, greatness often involves subtle tweaks hidden behind the scenes, away from the spotlight. For fans and opponents alike, the next chapter in Alcaraz’s career promises thrilling moments as he serves up power, precision, and passion, continually rewriting what is possible on the court.

And who knows? Maybe his next ace will be the result of this very adjustment, a clever little serve that’s been “tweaked” to perfection—keeping tennis fans eagerly awaiting every point.