Carlos Alcaraz’s coach Samuel Lopez underlines the qualities the Spaniard showed in winning his first Monte Carlo Rolex Masters title
Coach Samuel Lopez believes Carlos Alcaraz has many improvements to make for the clay season, especially with his spin and angle, after the Spaniard triumphed at the Monte Carlo Masters.
Follow Us
Samuel Lopez and Carlos Alcaraz (image via Tiscali Sports)
Samuel Lopez, Carlos Alcaraz’s coach, believes that the 21-year-old has won an important title, i.e., the 2025 Monte Carlo Masters, without playing his best tennis. Lopez had joined Alcaraz’s coaching team in December 2024 to provide additional support along with head coach Juan Carlos Ferrero. Lopez has accompanied Alcaraz to both Rotterdam and Monte Carlo, the two tournaments where Alcaraz has triumphed this season.
Nearly each of Alcaraz’s match wins in the Monte Carlo Masters has been very hard-fought. Coming from a set down, Alcaraz survived a scare in the quarterfinals, fending off home favorite Arthur Fils. His compatriot Alejandro Davidovich Fokina gave tough competition in the semifinals, as Alcaraz squandered a 5-3 lead in the first set. Davidovich Fokina broke Alcaraz in the first set, leveled a tie, but eventually lost in the tiebreaker.
My summary is that, without playing his best tennis, he won an important title in his career. He should remember this: while playing tennis that could be improved, his attitude and mental work were excellent.
Samuel Lopez via L’Equipe
After defeating Davidovich Fokina and entering his maiden Monte Carlo Masters final, Alcaraz faced another challenging first set against Lorenzo Musetti, who won the set as the Spaniard made many unforced errors. Alcaraz made adjustments to his game and regained better form in the next set. Musetti unfortunately took a medical timeout to address an upper leg pain in the third set and was barely able to play once he returned to court, making victory apparent for the Spaniard.
Carlos was able to face the situation, remaining himself, with his own identity. And that’s the positive note of this tournament for me. Resisting, challenging, accepting the problems that arise, the difficult situations, continuing to take a step forward. When you’re strong in that aspect, ultimately, it allows you to play good tennis. His game will continue to improve.
Samuel Lopez continued
Carlos Alcaraz clinched his ninth title on clay at the Monte Carlo Masters
The victory at Monte Carlo is an important confidence booster for Carlos Alcaraz ahead of the clay season. It comes after the Spaniard experienced an inconsistent Sunshine swing. Being the two-time defending champion, Alcaraz lost in the semifinals against Jack Draper at Indian Wells. However, his more shocking defeat came at the Miami Open, where he faced an opening round exit after losing to David Goffin.
A victory always comes well. It’s what gives a player the most confidence. And this one, after a more delicate period for him, an early elimination in Miami, and a final match in Indian Wells where he didn’t play good tennis, can help him regain that confidence. The season is long; tennis is a long-distance race. You have to keep sowing to reap the good fruits the rest of the season.
Samuel Lopez added
Alcaraz made only his second appearance at the Monte Carlo Masters, with his first one being in 2022. This victory marked Alcaraz’s sixth Masters 1000 title and his first in 13 months following the 2024 Indian Wells. It is also his ninth title on clay and his 18th ATP singles title overall.
Carlos Alcaraz will next compete at the Barcelona Open
Carlos Alcaraz has replaced Alexander Zverev to become the World No. 2 as the German has been dealing with a dip in form and lost his opening round match in the Principality. Alcaraz now has 7,720 points, while Zverev is at 7,595. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner still leads with 9,930 points, albeit being on a three-month suspension.
He needs to improve everything! This is his first clay-court tournament. He needs to adapt to the surface, the clay, and the different altitudes. The serve isn’t as important as on hard courts. You don’t win as many points on clay. He needs to accept that and not necessarily rely on fast hitting. He needs to play more with spin and the angles he chooses.
Samuel Lopez added
Alcaraz will next compete on home soil at the Barcelona Open, where he has reigned champion twice, in 2022 and 2023. The World No. 2 is scheduled to meet Ethan Quinn in his opening round match on April 15. It will be their first encounter on the ATP Tour. Later in the clay season, the four-time Grand Slam champion will also seek to defend his Roland Garros title.
Stay Updated!
/techfirstnow/media/agency_attachments/kATjCXskQdJKkXN0OuqW.png)