Carlos Alcaraz identifies what is ‘not fair’ as he responds to harsh criticism of his form
Carlos Alcaraz has divulged why he feels criticism of his form is unfair as he declared he is “really happy” with his game ahead of the 2025 Monte Carlo Masters.
The four-time Grand Slam champion arrives in Monte Carlo on a two-match losing streak from the Sunshine Double tournaments in March.
Alcaraz‘s bid for a third successive Indian Wells title ended with a three-set loss to Jack Draper in the semi-finals.
The world No 3 was then on the receiving end of a sizeable upset at the Miami Open as he lost to David Goffin in his opening match.
The 21-year-old holds a 15-4 record in 2025, with his Rotterdam Open title win in February the highlight of his season to date.
Ahead of his campaign in Monte Carlo, Alcaraz addressed the scrutiny he has faced in recent weeks.
“I am really happy with the way I am playing,” he told reporters in Monte Carlo.
“Since I started the year, I have been playing great tennis. Tennis is not just about hitting the ball. It is about more than that. It is about mentality, physical side.
Carlos Alcaraz News
“With my game, I am really happy about it. If I don’t win, it doesn’t matter if I play well or not. People are not thinking about the opponent, they are just thinking about me.
“If I lose, something is going on, people say. I don’t think that is fair. I am just happy and ready to play well on clay.
“A lot of people might have said we should have played better tennis or won more tournaments, but I don’t think that is fair. I think the draw in every tournament is very open and a lot of players are playing good tennis and they deserve to be there.
“There are so many players who play well on clay and on all surfaces. In the clay season, I think it is going to be interesting. I see a lot of players who are capable of doing great things on clay.”
The Spanish maestro, who is making just his second appearance in Monte Carlo after his debut in 2022, added: “I am really happy to be here.
“It is a tournament I have only played [once]. I want to come here and play great. I am really excited about practising here and getting ready for my first match.”
Alcaraz will play world No 22 Francisco Cerundolo in a tricky first match at the Masters 1000 event.
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