Alcaraz Returns to Monte Carlo as Defending Champion with High Confidence

Carlos Alcaraz is eager to begin the clay court season, particularly as he returns to Monte Carlo as the defending champion of the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Monaco.

The Spanish tennis player has an emotional connection to this tournament, which marks the beginning of the clay court season.

"I'm really, really happy to be back in Monte-Carlo, the first tournament of the clay court season, at least for me. This tournament is great," Alcaraz said.

"To be honest, I've missed this tournament. I will try to enjoy this beautiful surface, this beautiful tournament, as much as possible. It's amazing."

Alcaraz also recalls that Monte Carlo was a turning point in his journey last season. After a less-than-ideal start to the 2025 season, he bounced back after competing in this tournament.

That season, he experienced two consecutive losses in Indian Wells and Miami, but after participating in Monte Carlo, his performance skyrocketed with 33 wins from his next 34 matches.

"This week is really important. It's a turning point in 2025," Alcaraz said.

"After the feeling I got here, I became better. I understood and realized how I should play after this week."

Statistically, clay courts are one of Alcaraz's favorite surfaces. He has an 84.4 percent win rate on this surface, making him one of the best in modern tennis history, behind Rafael Nadal and Bjorn Borg.

Currently, Alcaraz is trying to get back on the winning track after being eliminated in the third round of the Miami tournament by Sebastian Korda.

He explains that his love for clay courts was formed from a young age, as he spent most of his early career playing on this surface.

"I started playing tennis on clay courts. I grew up playing on clay courts. I started playing at the age of four and didn't touch a hard court until I was eight years old, and that was only briefly, so I've always played on clay courts," Alcaraz said.

Despite the pressure of being the world's number one tennis player, Alcaraz remains confident in his ability to maintain his performance, especially since he won Monte Carlo the previous year.

In the next round, he will face the winner of the match between Stan Wawrinka or Sebastian Baez after receiving a bye in the first round.

"I think there's no better tournament to start the clay court season than here. I think, in terms of scenery, this is the most beautiful tournament we have on the tour," Alcaraz said.

"It's very aesthetic. When the clay courts are perfect at the beginning of the match, the courts are very aesthetic. It's really beautiful."