Carlos Alcaraz has changed his racket – and it could make a huge difference at Australian Open

Oli Dickson Jefford 02 Jan 2025 5:20 PM

Carlos Alcaraz in a practice session at the ATP Finals in Turin

Carlos Alcaraz hits a backhand in a practice session

Carlos Alcaraz’s new coach has confirmed the Spaniard has made a significant racket change designed to enhance his on-court power even further.

The Spaniard has been one of the most successful players of the past half-decade, with the 21-year-old already a former world No 1 and a four-time Grand Slam champion.

However, just like all great champions, Alcaraz is continuing to adjust as he looks to stay at the top of the game and add to his significant accomplishments in 2025 and beyond.

One big move has already seen him hire Samuel Lopez, the former coach of Pablo Carreno Busta who will now work with the world No 3 alongside long-term mentor Juan Carlos Ferrero.

And, in an interview with Marca, Lopez has confirmed that Alcaraz will play with a heavier racket over the next 12 months.

Across his pre-season training, the reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion has adapted his pre-existing Babolat racket to use one with a neck that is five grams heavier than before.

“It’s an additional help in hitting,” said Lopez.

“With that acceleration that he has, he’s going to gain in power and ball weight.

“With his impact quality, with a heavier racquet, just by touching the ball in front of you, you take more advantage of the force of how it comes to you.

“It’s been very noticeable these days in the return.”

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In a previous interview, former world No 1 Ferrero had confirmed that he would be working with Alcaraz on the Spaniard’s service motion heading into the new season.

This, coupled with the racket change, means all eyes will be on Alcaraz when he takes to the court at the Australian Open.

Alcaraz and his entourage have decided not to play a warm-up event in the build-up to the first Grand Slam of 2025, which starts on January 12th.

The 21-year-old will not have played an official singles match since November 2024 heading into the tournament, having beaten Tallon Griekspoor in Spain’s 2-1 Davis Cup Finals defeat to the Netherlands.

What impact could Alcaraz’s new racket have?

Alcaraz will hope that the “noticeable” impact seen by Lopez translates into match action in Melbourne, where he is looking to make history.

Should the Spaniard triumph at the Australian Open, he would become just the sixth man in the Open Era to complete the Career Grand Slam.

He would also become the youngest, eclipsing Rafael Nadal’s record of 24 years, and 3 months set at the 2010 US Open.

Alcaraz has twice won Wimbledon and has one title at both the US Open and French Open, though has never made it past the last eight at the Australian Open.

Faster hard courts have proven an issue for the Spaniard at points during his career, and this has likely been a factor as to why he has never produced his best tennis at Melbourne Park.

However, as detailed by Lopez, the heavier racket he is now employing should slightly nullify the effects of the court speed, working to Alcaraz’s advantage.