Carlos Alcaraz focused “on what’s really important” this clay season after winning the Monte Carlo Masters

Carlos Alcaraz claimed his sixth ATP Masters 1000 title after coming from behind to beat Lorenzo Musetti in Monte Carlo.

Carlos Alcaraz focused “on what’s really important” this clay season after winning the Monte Carlo Masters

Carlos Alcaraz (via Instagram/ATP)

Carlos Alcaraz got his season back on track at the Monte Carlo Masters when he lifted the trophy for the first time in his career. In his only second time at the competition, the Spaniard showed why he loves playing on the clay court. However, moving forward, the 21-year-old has streamlined his focus.

Alcaraz’s z last hard-court match ended with a disappointing defeat against David Goffin at the Miami Open. The former World No.1 was criticized for not being at his best performance since Jannik Sinner was handed a three-month suspension for doping. But on arriving in Monte Carlo, he revealed that he got distracted by trying everything to overtake Sinner at World No.1.

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With the distraction out of his mind in Monte Carlo, he came from behind to defeat Lorenzo Musetti in the final to claim his biggest title of the season. The win helped him overtake Alexander Zverev to become the new World No.2 in the ATP rankings. He will now hope to take his form to the Barcelona Open.

During his press conference, he was asked if he does see himself in his best form ahead of the ATP 500 tournament. Alcaraz revealed that he is not yet at his best level on clay and he’s focused on enjoying his time on the court rather than becoming a pressure.

I’m going to focus on what’s really important to me: going out and enjoying myself, win or lose. Beyond that, I don’t want to set expectations. I don’t think I’m at my best. I’ve played better games this year than those in Monte Carlo. It’s one thing to win, and another to feel like you’ve played well.

Carlos Alcaraz said via Barcelona Open Press

Alcaraz’s claim about his level not being at its best at the Monte Carlo is true. The Spaniard hit 61 more unforced errors than winners en route to winning the title. He also had to come from behind in the quarter-finals and final to win the matches.

Carlos Alcaraz focused on improving at the Barcelona Open rather than being the favorite

Carlos Alcaraz does not want to be the favorite at the Barcelona Open despite being the 2023 winner. The Spaniard rather wants to take advantage of his victory at the Monte Carlo to improve his game and be able to enjoy his time on the court. He now seeks to gain a lot of confidence by winning more matches in Barcelona.

Carlos Alcaraz Monte Carlo Masters 2025
Carlos Alcaraz (image via Instagram/Carlos Alcaraz)

I gained a lot of confidence in Monte Carlo. Honestly, I didn’t expect to win, but rather to gain rhythm and hours on gravel. Winning gives you a lot of confidence for what’s coming up, but as for feeling like a favorite, I think many young riders can be there and make a big splash. I don’t want to consider myself a favorite on the gravel tour.

Carlos Alcaraz said via Barcelona Open Press

Despite not placing himself as a favorite, Alcaraz hopes that he wins the Barcelona Open. It will be his third title of the season and seventh ATP 500 of his career before he turns 22 next month (May).

Carlos Alcaraz faces a tough draw at the Barcelona Open

Carlos Alcaraz is set to open his Barcelona Open campaign against American Ethan Quinn in the first round. The Spaniard will then face a tough test in the second set when he takes on either Frances Tiafoe or Tomas Machac. If he does prevail, he will likely face the winner between Alex de Minaur or Tomas Etcheverry in the quarter-finals.

Carlos Alcaraz (3)
Carlos Alcaraz (Image via X/alcarchive)

Stefanos Tsitsipas or Arthur Fils potentially awaits Alcaraz in the semi-final if he does progress to that stage. Tsitsipas reached the Barcelona Open final last year and failed to defend his Monte Carlo Masters title. He will be seeking revenge at the ATP 500 as he dropped out of the Top 15 in the rankings.

A meeting against Fils will be a rematch of the Monte Carlo quarter-finals. The Frenchman failed to keep composure against Alcaraz despite leading a set in the match. He will also be seeking revenge if he does face Alcaraz for the second time in his career.