Carlos Alcaraz Ready for Monte-Carlo Masters and Aims for First Win

Carlos Alcaraz is fully prepared for the Monte-Carlo Masters and will begin his campaign in the second round, thanks to a first-round bye.

The 21-year-old Spaniard, ranked third in the world, will face either Francisco Cerúndolo or Fabio Fognini in his opening match. Alcaraz is keen to bounce back after a disappointing run of recent results, including a surprise loss to David Goffin in the Miami Open and a semi-final defeat to Jack Draper at Indian Wells.

Draper went on to win the Indian Wells title, beating Holger Rune in the final.

Now back on clay – his favourite surface – Alcaraz is excited to return to action and hopes to get his first-ever win at the Monte-Carlo Masters.

Speaking to Tennis TV, Alcaraz said:

“I’m excited about playing here, getting experience and some matches. I’m looking forward to my first win here, which I haven’t managed yet.”

Alcaraz has only played once before in Monte-Carlo, losing to Sebastian Korda in 2022. He missed the last two editions due to injury.

He admitted:

“It’s a beautiful club and a beautiful tournament. I’m a bit ashamed that I’ve only played here once, but I’m excited to return.”

Alcaraz also responded to recent criticism from fans, saying the negative comments after his Miami loss were unfair. Despite the tough results, he remains focused and confident on clay courts, where he has enjoyed plenty of success in his young career.

With Rafael Nadal now retired, Alcaraz is seen by many as the next great Spanish hope on clay. Nadal, the “King of Clay”, won the Monte-Carlo Masters a record 11 times, including eight in a row from 2005 to 2012.

Stefanos Tsitsipas has been the most successful player in recent years, winning the Monte-Carlo title in 2021, 2022, and 2024.

Alcaraz will hope to begin his own winning tradition in Monte-Carlo this year, as he continues to grow his legacy on clay.