"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."

Carlos Alcaraz eyes Career Golden Slam in Australian Open 2025

Carlos Alcaraz pictured at the 2024 Davis Cup Final | Image Source: Getty

Carlos Alcaraz is set to begin the 2025 season directly at the Australian Open, skipping warm-up tournaments just as he did last year. Despite that, the Spaniard exudes confidence, stating that he believes he has what it takes to clinch the trophy in Melbourne next year.

He told the media:

"I'm sure I'll be the Australian champion sooner or later. Let's hope it happens this year. For me it is very important to complete the remaining ('big') ones."

He added:

"I have it in mind, I have in mind to get a tattoo of the kangaroo. I'm going to try to have a good holiday first. For me it's super important to be able to disconnect from tennis. And to come back fresh for the pre-season so that it's brilliant, brutal, to arrive in Australia in the best possible shape both tennis-wise, physically and mentally. The goal is to complete the 'Grand Slam' in Melbourne."

If the Spaniard accomplishes the remarkable feat by 2027, he will surpass Rafael Nadal as the youngest player to achieve the milestone.