Tennis Aces Świątek and Alcaraz Highlight Serve's Growing Importance

Improving serve consistency is key for top players to maintain dominance

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The modern tennis landscape is increasingly defined by the serve, which has become a powerful weapon capable of dictating rallies and deciding matches. Recent performances by both Iga Świątek and Carlos Alcaraz underscore this shift, revealing a critical area for improvement even for the game's elite. Świątek's struggles with an inconsistent serve have forced her to rely more on her baseline brilliance, while Alcaraz's serve improvements have coincided with his rise to the top. The ATP Tour has also seen a trend of consistent performers emerging outside of the Alcaraz-Sinner dominance, highlighting the depth of talent and the importance of mental fortitude.

Why it matters

The growing emphasis on the serve in tennis has significant implications for the sport's top players. Consistent and reliable serves can provide free points, dictate the pace of rallies, and reduce the need for extended baseline exchanges. As Świątek and Alcaraz have demonstrated, even the game's elite must continually refine this fundamental aspect of their game to maintain their dominance.

The details

Iga Świątek's dominance has been built on her exceptional baseline game, but her recent struggles have highlighted a vulnerability in her serve. Five breaks of serve against Maria Sakkari in Qatar underscored this issue, which is not necessarily about power but rather consistency and reliability. Świątek recognizes the need to improve her serve, even considering skipping WTA 1000 events to dedicate more time to this crucial area of her game. Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz faced similar challenges 18 months ago but has demonstrably improved his serve over the past year, which has coincided with his rise to the top of the men's game.

  • Iga Świątek suffered a quarterfinal exit at the 2026 Australian Open against Elena Rybakina.
  • Świątek lost to Maria Sakkari in Qatar, with five breaks of serve highlighting her serve inconsistency.
  • Carlos Alcaraz faced serve-related challenges 18 months ago, but has since improved this aspect of his game.

The players

Iga Świątek

A Polish professional tennis player who has dominated the women's game in recent years, with her exceptional baseline game and relentless pressure.

Carlos Alcaraz

A Spanish professional tennis player who has risen to the top of the men's game, and has demonstrated significant improvements in his serve over the past year.

Elena Rybakina

A Kazakh professional tennis player who defeated Iga Świątek in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Australian Open.

Maria Sakkari

A Greek professional tennis player who defeated Iga Świątek in Qatar, breaking her serve five times.

Ben Shelton

An American professional tennis player who won his fourth ATP title in Dallas, exemplifying the depth of talent emerging on the men's tour.

Taylor Fritz

An American professional tennis player who has showcased resilience and mental fortitude despite battling injuries.

Victoria Mboko

A young professional tennis player who has recently reached the top 10, but has faced challenges with emotional outbursts on the court.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.