Serena Williams' ex-coach calls for Carlos Alcaraz to skip Madrid Open and seek brother Jaime's help: Here's why

Serena Williams' former coach, Rick Macci, weighed in on Carlos Alcaraz’s current form, suggesting a rather unconventional approach. He advised that Alcaraz might benefit from spending quality time with his younger brother, Jaime, and even consider skipping the Madrid Open to reset both mentally and physically.

Macci is quite active on social media, where he regularly shares his thoughts on the game and weighs in on players’ performances. He's known for backing young stars such as Coco Gauff, Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, especially when they hit a rough patch, often offering words of encouragement.

Today was no different, as the veteran coach—who once trained the legendary Serena Williams—took to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote:

“The Spanish turbo charged Cheetah is a different animal BUT anybody playing 10 matches in 12 days plus practice will feel strains and pains as your digging sliding running and gliding. He should rest have fun with little brother Jamie the kid and skip Madrid. @Carlosalcaraz.”

He added:

"Adductor muscle strain can come/ go depending if mild or severe. His Cheetah turbo jets is another Gear but with Fear and the French Near he should Rest to be his Best. Playing great no debate can carry the freight but this injury you hesitate and get there late. @carlosalcaraz.”

Macci’s comments come in the wake of Carlos Alcaraz’s tough exit at the recently concluded Barcelona Open. The Spaniard seemed poised to claim his third title at the ATP 500 event, but an injury during his final clash against Holger Rune hampered his performance and ultimately contributed to his defeat.

Carlos Alcaraz plays down injury concerns ahead of Madrid Open campaign

Carlos Alcaraz pictured at the 2025 Barcelona Open | Image Source: Getty

Even though Rick Macci has expressed concern over Carlos Alcaraz's abductor muscle issue and suggested he skip the Madrid Open, the Spaniard doesn’t appear to be on the same page. Speaking to the media, Alcaraz acknowledged the problem but added that he and his team are still evaluating things and, in his view, the injury isn’t likely to be a major concern moving forward.

The Spaniard said:

“We’ll have two days off, which I would have had anyway if I hadn’t hurt myself. I’ll talk with my team, we’ll do some tests, but I’m confident it won’t affect me in Madrid.”

“I’ve struggled to keep going and maintain a good level. From what I’m feeling right now, I’ll be off for two days. I’m confident it won’t hurt me ahead of Madrid,” he added.

Carlos Alcaraz is the second seed in Madrid and has received a first-round bye. He’s scheduled to begin his campaign in the second round, where he will face either Yoshihito Nishioka or Zizou Bergs.