Watching Carlos Alcaraz on Centre Court is one thing. Watching him at Aorangi Park—the high-security, lush practice grounds at Wimbledon—is a whole different vibe.
Most people think these practice sessions are just about hitting a few balls to stay warm. Honestly? That couldn’t be further from the truth. For Carlitos, Wimbledon practice is a high-stakes laboratory. It’s where the "Murcian Beast" transforms from a clay-court slider into a grass-court predator. If you’ve ever wondered why he looks so comfortable on a surface that usually takes years to master, the answer is buried in those two-hour sessions away from the TV cameras.
The Sinner Simulation: Why Alcaraz Hires "Human Mirrors"
During the 2025 Championships, something fascinating happened on Court 14. Alcaraz wasn't just hitting with anyone; he was hitting with Adam Jones, a British player ranked outside the top 1,500.
Why? Because Jones was specifically hired to play like Jannik Sinner.
The goal was specific: Alcaraz needed someone to fire balls low and flat, mimicking Sinner’s relentless baseline pace. In practice, Alcaraz often asks his partners to "fire down faster second serves" or "slide serves into the body." It’s not about winning the practice set. It’s about conditioning his eyes and hands to react to the exact ball flight he'll see in a final.
- Varying the Bounce: On grass, the ball stays low. Alcaraz spends chunks of practice just working on his "knee bend" to ensure he isn't lunging.
- The Body Serve: He focuses heavily on returning serves aimed at his hip, a common tactic used by rivals like Sinner and Djokovic.
- Fun over Fatigue: Despite the intensity, he’s known for laughing between drills. He’s gone on record saying he plays his best when he’s having fun, and that starts on the practice court.
The Ferrero Factor: Micro-Adjustments at Aorangi
Juan Carlos Ferrero is always there. Usually, he’s standing just a few feet behind the baseline, arms crossed, dissecting every single swing.
In 2025, the team added Samuel Lopez to the mix. Together, they’ve turned Carlos Alcaraz Wimbledon practice into a masterclass in adaptation. During the early rounds, Ferrero famously noted that Alcaraz's level at Queen's Club wasn't quite there yet. They used the practice sessions at Wimbledon to "tweak" the serve.
It worked. By the time he hit the quarterfinals, he was firing 20+ aces a match.
You've got to realize that grass changes throughout the fortnight. In the first week, it’s slick and green. By the second week, the baseline is basically dust and dirt. Alcaraz adjusts his movement drills daily to account for this. One day he’s practicing sliding (yes, he slides on grass); the next, he’s focused on short, choppy steps to avoid slipping on the worn-out patches.
Moving Beyond the Hype: The Technical Grind
Let’s talk about the slice. Most young players hate the backhand slice on grass because it feels "old school."
Alcaraz embraces it.
He spends a significant portion of his practice time hitting nothing but backhand slices to the corner. He wants that ball to "die" on the grass. He also works on a specific "whip-like" forehand technique. By keeping his left hand on the racket throat longer during the backswing, he creates massive tension. When he releases it, the ball explodes off the grass, even though the surface typically absorbs power.
What the Stats Tell Us
Interestingly, the data shows that Alcaraz’s practice-court focus on "first-serve returns" is his secret weapon. He actually leads active players in first-serve return points won on grass (around 32.5%). That doesn't happen by accident. It comes from hours of standing inside the baseline during practice, taking 130 mph serves on the rise.
The Reality of Injuries and Recovery
It’s not all sunshine and highlight reels. In late 2025, Alcaraz struggled with a hamstring issue that eventually ended his season early.
This changes how he practices.
When he’s nursing an injury, the "brutal" training sessions are swapped for "maintenance" blocks. He’ll spend more time in the gym on aerobic endurance—keeping his heart rate between 60% to 70% of its max—and less time doing explosive lateral sprints. He’s learned the hard way that you can’t redline your body every single day of a Grand Slam.
How to Apply the Alcaraz Method to Your Game
You might not have Juan Carlos Ferrero screaming instructions at you, but you can still take a page out of the Alcaraz playbook.
- Practice with a Purpose: Don't just "rally." Tell your partner to hit only to your backhand or to only hit short balls.
- Focus on the First Step: Alcaraz is obsessed with his "split step." Watch him in slow motion; he’s in the air the moment his opponent hits the ball.
- Embrace the Slice: If you’re playing on a fast surface, the slice is your best friend. Practice keeping it low and deep.
- Keep the Energy High: If you’re miserable during practice, you’ll be miserable during the match. Smile, try a trick shot, and keep the "fun" alive.
Alcaraz’s success at SW19 isn't just about talent. It’s about the fact that he treats every practice session like a championship point. Next time you see a clip of him hitting at Aorangi Park, look past the flashy shots. Look at his feet, look at his coaches, and look at the deliberate way he prepares for the chaos of a Wimbledon final.