Carlos Alcaraz's backhand
Traced frame by frame from real footage.
Alcaraz's two-handed backhand averaged 73 mph in 2024, 5 mph above the tour average, with 2,005 rpm against 1,775, and ranked second on tour by shot quality. In 2025 he started the backswing lower, which he said gave him more topspin and more safety.
- 1The shoulders turn fully with the racquet held back by the left shoulder, and the knees bend deep on a wide base.
- 2At contact both arms are extended out in front of the body.
- 3The hips and trunk rotate through so hard that the back leg swings round at the finish.
Our own observations from the traced frames. Flip through the plate above to check them.
By the numbers
2024: topspin backhand 73 mph, 5 mph above average, 2,005 rpm against 1,775, and shot quality 8.24, second on tour.
ATP / Tennis Data Innovations, 2024 insightsIn spring 2025 he began starting the backswing lower. He said it gave him more topspin and safety, and that small changes like this take three or four days.
Tennis Majors, 8 Apr 2025
Wimbledon 2023 final
In the fifth set, with Djokovic serving at 1–1, 30–40, Alcaraz broke with a backhand passing winner down the line, the break that won him the title.
Match Charting Project point logWhat you can copy
Start the swing lower for more spin and safety: his own description of the 2025 change.
Tennis Majors