"Fine line between courage & stupidity" - Serena Williams' ex-coach gives his verdict on Carlos Alcaraz amid 'No Plan B' criticism

Serena Williams' childhood coach, Rick Macci, recently shared his thoughts on Carlos Alcaraz after he was criticized for not having a backup plan, a "plan B" during matches. The Spaniard received this criticism from former German player Andre Petkovic.

Alcaraz had an impressive 2024 season, winning four titles, that included two Grand Slams at the French Open and Wimbledon. He also successfully defended his title at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, while also triumphing at the China Open.

Despite Alcaraz's successes in 2024, Andrea Petkovic pointed out while speaking on the "Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast" that he struggled to adapt and didn't have a "plan B" when he wasn't playing well, unlike players such as Jannik Sinner, Taylor Fritz, or Alexander Zverev.

"The one quibble I have with Carlos is what the others don't have, Zverev doesn't have, even Taylor doesn't have, Jannik definitely doesn't have, Novak definitely doesn't have. When Carlos is bad, he is f*cking horrendous. He doesn't have a plan B," Petkovic said.

Reacting to Petkovic's comments, Rick Macci took to social media and defended Carlos Alcaraz. He mentioned that the the Spaniard's game was "more complex" which made him stand out from other players.

Macci highlighted that Alcaraz possessed multiple game plans, including Plan A, B, and C which gives him a strategic edge on the court.

“Carlos Alcaraz game is more complex than any player because his talent level delivers many different items on the menu. Critics say he has no plan B . He has has plan A B and C ! When you have unique options there is a fine line between courage and stupidity. @carlosalcaraz," Macci Posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Carlos Alcaraz to open his 2025 season at the Australian Open

Alcaraz at the 2024 Australian Open [Image Source: Getty Images]

Carlos Alcaraz will kick off his 2025 season at the Australian Open which is scheduled to take place from January 12 to January 26, 2025. He achieved his best result at the Melbourne Major in 2024 when he reached the quarterfinals.

Alcaraz, who was seeded second in the competition defeated Richard Gasquet 7-6(5), 6-1, 6-2 in the first round and Lorenzo Sonego 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-3, 7-6(3) in the second round.

The Spaniard continued his winning streak and triumphed over wildcard Shang Juncheng 6-1, 6-1, 1-0 ret. and Miomir Kecmanovic 6-4, 6-4, 6-0 in the third and fourth rounds, respectively. However his campaign came to an end in the quarterfinals when he was defeated by sixth seed Alexander Zverev 1-6, 3-6, 7-6(2), 4-6.

If Carlos Alcaraz wins the 2025 Australian Open title then he will achieve a Career Grand Slam, which is winning all four Majors.