Carlos Alcaraz Faces Challenging Monte-Carlo Draw as Ranking Goals Take a Hit
Carlos Alcaraz is set to kick off his 2025 clay-court campaign in Monte Carlo this weekend, but the draw for the Monte-Carlo Masters has not been kind to the Spanish star. Returning to action after missing last year’s tournament and the Barcelona Open due to injury, Alcaraz has a huge opportunity to earn up to 1,500 ranking points—but the road ahead is anything but easy.
Seeded No. 2, Alcaraz may open against Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo, provided the clay-court specialist overcomes veteran Fabio Fognini in the first round. Cerundolo, currently ranked No. 23, has shown strong form with recent wins over Tommy Paul and Casper Ruud in Miami, and a solid run at Indian Wells where he narrowly lost to Alcaraz in the quarter-finals.
Cerundolo’s clay-court pedigree adds to the threat—he was a finalist at an event in Argentina earlier this year and has also competed in Brazil and Rio on clay, giving him a sharp edge heading into Monte Carlo.
If Alcaraz gets past Cerundolo, he could face Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi in the next round. Arnaldi took a set off Alcaraz when they met last month at Indian Wells, signaling another potential test. Further down the draw, Casper Ruud looms as another formidable opponent, making Alcaraz’s path to the final even more complex.
The French Open champion is looking to bounce back after a disappointing first-round loss to David Goffin at the Miami Open. Following that match, Alcaraz was candid about his performance and physical condition.
“It was a poor level from me,” he admitted. “I thought I was going to improve after the first set, but my game didn’t get better. Physically, I didn’t feel well. I wasn’t injured or sick—I just didn’t have confidence in my body.”
Tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou, who has worked with Serena Williams and currently coaches Naomi Osaka, shared his thoughts on Alcaraz’s public honesty. “It was a surprising admission,” he said. “Most players keep that kind of thing to themselves, but perhaps it helps him mentally to say it out loud. It could either relieve pressure or add to it—we’ll see how he responds on court.”
Mouratoglou compared Alcaraz’s situation to Rafael Nadal’s past mental battles, recalling a time when Nadal also admitted to losing his psychological edge before making a strong comeback.
“This happens to every great player,” Mouratoglou added. “Even Serena had a tough stretch before we worked together and she won more Grand Slams. These slumps are part of the journey.”
