Carlos Alcaraz is back on clay, expressing his excitement to return to his favorite surface in Monaco as he gears up for the French Open. The world number one is looking to build momentum following his successful title defense last year at Roland Garros.
Last June, Alcaraz captured his fifth Grand Slam title when he overcame Jannik Sinner in a thrilling final at Roland Garros. His remarkable performance on clay also included victories in Monte Carlo and Rome, alongside a runner-up finish in Barcelona, solidifying his status as a leading player on this surface.
In a press conference ahead of the Monaco tournament, Alcaraz shared his enthusiasm. “This is probably one of the best times of the season for me,” he stated, reflecting on the joy of returning to clay. The pause since Roland Garros has made him eager to get back into the rhythm of playing on clay courts, emphasizing how incredible it feels to be back.
Having missed the Madrid Open last year due to injury, Alcaraz aims for a full schedule leading up to Roland Garros, which commences on May 24. “Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Madrid, Rome … that’s the plan,” he outlined, indicating a commitment to a robust competitive calendar.
The physical and mental demands of clay season are significant. Alcaraz acknowledged the intensity of the schedule, particularly highlighting Barcelona as an important tournament for him. Despite the challenges, he remains focused on maintaining his physical condition throughout the matches and tournaments.
Reflecting on his previous successes, Alcaraz noted that winning the Monte Carlo title last season marked a pivotal moment in his career. “After the feeling that I got here, I just got better and better,” he remarked, explaining how the experience shaped his understanding of how to play effectively on clay.
As he prepares to open his campaign in Monaco, Alcaraz is set to face either Stan Wawrinka or Sebastian Baez in the second round. The anticipation surrounding his return to clay and subsequent tournaments adds to the excitement as he looks to reclaim his title at Roland Garros.