Alcaraz Forehand Grip, Illustrated

Carlos Alcaraz

Semi-Western

Base Index Knuckle on Semi-Western (Bevel 4)
Heel Pad on Semi-Western (Bevel 4)

As an emerging star, there really aren’t that many photos available that showcases Alcaraz’s forehand grip. Fortunately, it seems very clear that Carlos plays with a pretty standard Semi-Western grip with both his base index knuckle and heel pad on the Bevel 4.

I’ve heard a couple of rumblings that he might use a western grip, but the first picture clearly shows that his index base knuckle does not cross the threshold into Bevel 5. After my work with the Tsitsipas FH grip article, it’s nice to have a quick open and shut case!

Mid-Swing Forehand, Andalucia Open 2021: The blue outlines the 5th bevel, aka the Western Grip. It’s clear his index base knuckle doesn’t quite reach there and is on Semi-Western.

Forehand Follow Through, AO 2022: I’ve outlined the bevels and reoriented them to a more standard orientation. With his heel pad also on Bevel 4 (SW), his grip is overall a very standard Semi-Western Grip.