“I’m just trying to…,” Carlos Alcaraz reveals why he doesn’t compare himself to any of the Big 3 members
Carlos Alcaraz is in Monte Carlo for the second time in his career and will be bidding for his second title of the season.
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Carlos Alcaraz, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic (Image via Reuters, X/@alcarchive)
Carlos Alcaraz is gearing up for the Monte Carlo Masters and will be hoping to win his first title in the tournament. He will be playing in the event for the first time since 2022.
If he reaches the final, he could set up a blockbuster clash with Novak Djokovic, who is bidding to win his third title in The Principality. The Serb’s two biggest rivals, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, have bid farewell to tennis at the 2022 Laver Cup and the 2024 Davis Cup.
While Federer never tasted success in Monaco, Nadal is the tournament’s most successful player, having won 11 titles, including eight on the trot from 2005 to 2012. This trio has achieved almost everything there is to achieve in tennis and players feel honored when they get compared to them.
Alcaraz is no exception. But Alcaraz admitted that he doesn’t want to be like any of the Big 3 members because he likes to have his own identity.
I don’t really like comparisons. Obviously, it’s a compliment to be compared to the three greatest players of all time, but I’m Carlos Alcaraz, and I’m just trying to make my own way.
Carlos Alcaraz told GQ Espana
Alcaraz has never squared off against the Swiss maestro and has a 1-2 head-to-head record against the 22-time Grand Slam champion. Against the 24-time Major champion, the 21-year-old holds a 3-5 head-to-head record and lost the last two matches they played in the 2024 Paris Olympics final and the 2025 Australian Open quarterfinals.
Francisco Cerundolo says he needs good luck to beat Carlos Alcaraz
Francisco Cerundolo knocked out 2019 Monte Carlo Masters champion and wild card Fabio Fognini to set up a second-round clash with Carlos Alcaraz. Cerundolo bageled the Italian in the first set and restricted him to just three games in the second set to breeze into the next round. After the match, the Argentine recalled the two defats he faced against Alcaraz and expressed his hope to finally beat the four-time Grand Slam champion.
I’ve played him on grass, on hard, but not on clay. So, maybe, the third time I am lucky.
Francisco Cerundolo said during the on-court interview
When the interviewer wished him good luck, Cerundolo said, “Thank you, I will need it“. Alcaraz squared off against the 26-year-old in the round of 32 of the 2024 Queen’s Club Championships. They then clashed on the hard court of 2025 Indian Wells where the Murcia native failed to defend his title.
Last year in Monte Carlo, the three-time ATP titlist faced a three-set defeat to Karen Khachanov in the second round. If Alcaraz advances to the semifinal, he could face last year’s Monte Carlo runner-up Casper Ruud; and in the final, he is projected to meet Novak Djokovic.
Carlos Alcaraz feels ashamed of playing Monte Carlo Masters just once
Carlos Alcaraz participated in the Monte Carlo Masters in 2022 and was eliminated from the tournament by Sebastian Korda in his opening match. He missed the previous two editions due to injuries. Ahead of kick-starting his campaign, Alcaraz made his feelings known about making a second appearance in the event.
I think it’s a pretty beautiful club, pretty beautiful tournament. I’m a little bit ashamed that I’ve just played once. But I’m excited to play my second time here.
Carlos Alcaraz told Tennis TV
Alcaraz will chase his second title of the season in the tournament following his Rotterdam Open win. Last year on the clay swing, Alcaraz was successful in lifting his career’s first French Open title and fell short of winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
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