‘Carlos Alcaraz is possibly the best in the world when he hits his best level’
Holger Rune made a big statement about Carlos Alcaraz’s “best level” as he identified the Spanish star as the player to beat on clay courts.
As the reigning French Open champion, Alcaraz is one of the firm favourites to win every tournament he plays during the 2025 clay-court season. The Spaniard’s 2024 Roland Garros triumph was his eighth and most recent career title on clay.
The world No 3 is also a two-time champion at the Masters 1000 event in Madrid, while he has won three ATP 500 clay titles as well as two tournaments at 250 level.
The 21-year-old is seeking his maiden Monte Carlo Masters title at this year’s edition of the tournament, having defeated Francisco Cerundolo in his first match.
Alcaraz has only competed in Monte Carlo once before, losing in the opening round to Sebastian Korda in 2022.
Rune, the world No 12, has won two clay titles and also reached two Masters 1000 finals on the surface.
The 21-year-old Dane singled out Alcaraz when asked who is currently the toughest player to face on clay.
“I think the toughest one [on clay] might be Alcaraz,” Rune said in an interview in Monte Carlo.
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“Let’s see how his form is beginning of the clay season, but he’s a guy when he hits his best level — I think he’s possibly the best in the world. I think he can definitely bring a big challenge.
“The last years he was injured and stuff here, so he hasn’t gotten the experience like other players here, but I’m sure he will eventually.”
Illness forces Rune to retire when he was trailing 2-6, 0-3 in his opening round match against Nuno Borges in Monte Carlo.
“I feel hunted with sickness. Unbearable not to be able to finish up in one of my absolute favourite tournaments,” he posted on his Instagram story.
The Dane’s mother, Aneke Rune, also took to Instagram to highlight her son’s health struggles so far this year.
“A shout out to you Holger,” she wrote. “It’s been some really tough months for you. We can’t always control everything and I know you did all the right things to stay healthy and on top, and still you were hit by a tsunami of virus, food poisoning etc.
“The season is long, so don’t worry, you will be exactly where you want to be when the year ends. Sometimes unforeseen setbacks gives an even bigger hunger. Keep aiming high and work for it and you WILL be rewarded.”
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