Have you ever wondered what sets Grand Slam champions apart from their opponents, starting in the quarterfinals onward? Let’s unlock the secret!

In 2024, a total of 16 different players (including Sinner and Alcaraz) competed in the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam. Of these, all but four players had Top 20 serves (based on ATP World Tour rankings). The only four who didn’t have a Top 20 serve were all ranked inside the Top 10 for return performance, except for Lorenzo Musetti.

The ability to return serve efficiently and effectively is what separated the two male Grand Slam winners in 2024. Our analysis of recent champions, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, reveals their superior return stats compared to their opponents. Both are ranked within the Top 5 for return performance (according to the ATP World Tour website). The key stats that set them apart from their quarterfinal, semifinal, and final opponents are broken down below.

The biggest key to Grand Slam glory lies in the ability to consistently put pressure on your opponent’s serve with quality first and second returns. It’s about creating an unbeatable equation: holding serve and breaking your opponent more often than they break you.

Ready to take your game to the next level? Understanding how champions like Sinner and Alcaraz dominate with their return game can help you refine your own strategy. Whether you’re a player, coach, or analyst, mastering these key insights can give you a competitive edge. Contact us today to learn how our in-depth analytics can help you elevate your performance and understand your own game like never before!