Carlos Alcaraz Eyes Strong Start at Monte-Carlo Masters, Downplays Defending Champion Pressure
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World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz is set to kick off his clay-court season at the prestigious Monte-Carlo Masters, expressing excitement about returning to his favorite surface while downplaying the pressure of being the defending champion.
Alcaraz arrives in Monaco after a mixed hard-court swing, including a third-round exit in Miami. However, his 2025 clay season began at Monte-Carlo, where he sparked a remarkable run, winning 33 of his next 34 matches.
“I’m just really happy to be back… I missed it so much,” Alcaraz said, adding that he is focused on enjoying the tournament rather than defending his title.
With an impressive 84.4% win rate on clay, the Spaniard trails only legends like Rafael Nadal and Bjorn Borg in surface dominance.
Alcaraz highlighted how Monte-Carlo was a turning point in his 2025 season, helping him rediscover his rhythm and tactical clarity. His calm mindset reflects maturity as he competes for the top ATP ranking alongside Jannik Sinner.
The Monte-Carlo Masters marks a crucial phase in the tennis calendar, and Alcaraz’s form could set the tone for the entire clay season, including Roland Garros.
Set to face either Stan Wawrinka or Sebastian Baez, Alcaraz enters with confidence, aiming to build momentum rather than defend past success.
Carlos Alcaraz’s approach reflects a champion’s mindset—focused on growth rather than expectations. His comfort on clay and past success in Monte-Carlo make him a strong contender, but his emphasis on enjoying the game could be the key to another dominant run.