Carlos Alcaraz is back in top form as he heads into another final, this time against Lorenzo Musetti at the Monte Carlo Masters—his first clay court tournament of the 2025 season.
Roddick Impressed by Alcaraz’s Return
Former world No. 1 Andy Roddick noted that Alcaraz has ramped up his intensity in Monte Carlo. After missing the past two editions due to injury—and suffering a first-round loss in his only previous appearance—Alcaraz is now fighting for his second title of the year, having already triumphed in Rotterdam.
Currently ranked No. 3 in the world, Alcaraz trails only Jannik Sinner (1) and Alexander Zverev (2).
Alcaraz: “I Thought Too Much About Being No. 1”
Jannik Sinner’s absence due to a doping suspension has put the spotlight on Alcaraz as a potential contender for the top ranking. The Spaniard admitted that the pressure has affected his mindset.
“Since Jannik stopped playing, people kept asking about my chances to become number one again,” Alcaraz said. “I probably focused too much on that instead of just enjoying my tennis.”
After an early exit in Miami, Alcaraz said he realigned his mindset:
“I realized I had to stop thinking about results. The goal is to have fun, play my game, and not let external expectations weigh me down. I’m now focusing only on my family, my team, and myself.”
ATP Top 3 Rankings
| Rank | Player | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jannik Sinner | 10,330 |
| 2 | Alexander Zverev | 7,645 |
| 3 | Carlos Alcaraz | 6,720 |
Alcaraz Rates His Clay Performance So Far
Following a surprise first-round loss to David Goffin in Miami, Alcaraz bounced back strongly in Monte Carlo. After defeating Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, he shared thoughts on his performance:
“I’m happy with my level, but I know I can still improve. Clay is different—the bounce, the rhythm—and it takes time to adjust.”
When asked if his win over Fokina was his best match of the tournament, Alcaraz said:
“Yeah, I think it was my best match here. I kept control, stayed consistent, and didn’t let him take over. I’m really pleased.
