"Confidence is a thing you can't buy" - Carlos Alcaraz receives strongly-worded advice from Serena Williams' ex-coach ahead of Australian Open 2025

Serena Williams' former coach, Rick Macci, offered advice to Carlos Alcaraz as he gears up for the 2025 season. He urged the Spaniard to focus on strengthening his first serve, believing it could be a crucial game-changer.

Alcaraz enters 2025 riding high on momentum, having secured four titles this year, including victories at the French Open and Wimbledon. With the Australian Open still missing from his collection, he’s set his sights on completing the Career Grand Slam in Melbourne.

Before that, the 21-year-old received advice from Macci. The veteran American coach, who mentored the Williams sisters when they were kids, took to X (formerly Twitter) on December 14 and wrote:

"The X factor will the Spanish Magician will be the the first serve percentage. With a scienced based approach the external shoulder rotation and counter rotation of the spine can be modified and maybe a platform stance to keep his weight from shifted too soon will produce better."

He added:

"A career is a long winding road of ups downs winning and losing and MR. Confidence is a fleeting thing you cannot buy over the INTERNET but with it you take more chances hitting earlier and harder over the NET. @carlosalcaraz."