Carlos Alcaraz optimistic for clay season start at Monte Carlo Masters

Spanish star enters European clay swing with confidence despite early Miami exit.

Carlos Alcaraz speaks to the media on the first day of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters at Monte-Carlo Country Club on April 6, 2025, in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Carlos Alcaraz is optimistic for the clay season start at Monte Carlo Masters, despite experiencing a mixed hardcourt campaign in March. The 21-year-old Spanish star remains confident in his game and mindset as he prepares to lead the European claycourt swing, beginning with this week’s prestigious ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Monaco.

After reaching the semifinals in Indian Wells and suffering a surprise early exit in the opening round of the Miami Open, Alcaraz has shifted his focus to his favorite surface: clay. Speaking to reporters during his pre-tournament press conference in Monte Carlo, the Spaniard expressed satisfaction with his level of play and overall outlook.

"I'm very happy with the way I played," said Alcaraz, as quoted by the ATP on Monday. "Since I started this year, I've been playing great tennis. Tennis is not just about hitting the ball. It's more than that. It's about the mentality, the physical side."

Alcaraz emphasized that his recent results do not fully reflect his performance or readiness. "With my game, I'm very happy. If I don't win, it doesn't matter if I played well or not. People don't think about the opponent, they only think about me. If I lose, something happens, people say. I think it's not fair. I'm happy and ready to play well on clay."

Ready to return to dominance on clay

Carlos Alcaraz has built a reputation as one of the most dangerous players on clay courts in recent seasons. His explosive athleticism, ability to slide and recover, and powerful groundstrokes give him a distinct advantage on the red dirt. With back-to-back clay tournaments on the horizon, including Barcelona, Madrid, Rome, and eventually Roland Garros, Alcaraz has ample opportunity to reassert himself as a dominant force.

The young Spaniard already has clay titles to his name, including triumphs at Madrid and Barcelona, and he is expected to be one of the favorites throughout this stretch of the season. His optimism and composure, even after a brief dip in results, highlight his maturity beyond his years.

"I think I'm improving as a player and as a person," Alcaraz added. "Now that we are going to play on clay, I'm excited. I love playing on this surface and I always feel at home on it."

Strong season so far despite setbacks

Despite his Miami disappointment, Alcaraz’s 2025 season has been largely positive. He won his first tour-level title of the year in Rotterdam, reached the quarterfinals at the Australian Open and Doha, and posted a 15-4 win-loss record heading into Monte Carlo. According to the ATP Live Race To Turin, Alcaraz currently sits fifth, positioning him well for year-end championship qualification.

His winning percentage of 78.9% ranks second on the ATP Tour among players with at least 10 matches this season, trailing only Jack Draper’s 81.3%. These numbers reflect the consistency and resilience Alcaraz continues to show, even when he falls short of lifting a trophy.

“Sometimes people expect too much,” he said. “A lot of people might say we should have played better tennis or won more tournaments, but I don't think they always appreciate how strong the competition is.”

Competition intensifies with new challengers

The recent rise of players like Jack Draper and Jakub Mensik has added more fire to an already deep ATP field. Both players claimed titles during the Sunshine Double, further proving that the younger generation is no longer just knocking on the door—they are breaking through.

Alcaraz sees this as a natural and exciting evolution. “It’s good for the sport,” he said. “Everyone is improving. I like the challenge. It motivates me to work harder and keep getting better.”

That hunger for improvement and a return to clay—where Alcaraz has historically thrived—make him one of the most exciting names to watch this spring. While Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev, and others remain strong contenders, Alcaraz’s raw potential and fierce determination continue to set him apart.

Eyes on Monte Carlo

This week’s Monte Carlo Masters provides a perfect opportunity for Carlos Alcaraz to re-establish his rhythm and make a strong opening statement on clay. Although the tournament has historically been more favorable to veterans like Rafael Nadal and Djokovic, Alcaraz believes he has the tools to succeed.

“Monte Carlo is a beautiful place to play tennis,” he said. “The atmosphere, the fans, the surface—it all motivates me to perform my best.”

Alcaraz’s team, including coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, has worked to ensure he’s both physically prepared and mentally fresh for the demanding weeks ahead. Given his natural affinity for clay and his explosive playing style, many expect a deep run from the young Spaniard.

Building toward Roland Garros

As the clay swing builds toward the season’s second Grand Slam at Roland Garros in Paris, every match will be crucial for momentum and confidence. Carlos Alcaraz remains one of the early favorites for the French Open title, and a strong showing in Monte Carlo could send a clear message to the rest of the field.

While the focus will be on match results, Alcaraz maintains a balanced perspective. “It’s not always about the wins,” he said. “It’s about playing the way I know I can play. If I stay focused and keep working, the results will come.”

In the end, Carlos Alcaraz is optimistic for the clay season, and fans around the world are eager to see what he can produce on a surface that suits him so well. The road to Paris begins in Monte Carlo—and Alcaraz is ready.