2025 Monte Carlo Masters Preview: Carlos Alcaraz Tries to Dispel the Doubts

The Clay Season Begins with Grand Slam Implications

Tennis returns to Europe this week, and with it comes a shift in tone and stakes. The 2025 Monte Carlo Masters marks the start of a five-month stretch where every tournament matters—not just for points, but for momentum heading into the three remaining Grand Slams: Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open.

Unlike the early-season hard court events, every match from now until September comes with major implications. After weeks of standalone results, we’re back in the vortex of Slam preparation.

A Historic Venue with a Loaded Field

Monte Carlo is more than a tournament—it’s a tradition. Held at the scenic Monte Carlo Country Club, overlooking the Mediterranean, it’s been a key fixture since 1896. While not technically a mandatory Masters 1000, the tournament always draws a loaded field due to its location and prestige.

This year is no different. While Jannik Sinner is still sidelined, the field includes:

• Carlos Alcaraz

• Novak Djokovic

• Stefanos Tsitsipas (defending champion)

• Alexander Zverev

• Casper Ruud

• Andrey Rublev

• Jack Draper

Carlos Alcaraz Tries to Reset on Clay

Searching for Form After a Shaky Start

For Carlos Alcaraz, the road to Roland Garros begins with soul-searching. His shocking early loss to David Goffin left him visibly shaken.

“How do I feel? Dreadful,” Alcaraz said bluntly. “The first part of the season, I was feeling good, but after this defeat… I don’t know what to say.”

No Titles Yet in 2025

Unlike previous years, Alcaraz enters clay season without a title from Indian Wells or Miami. While he’s the reigning champion at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon, his 2025 campaign has been marred by inconsistency in best-of-three formats.

The silver lining? This is only his second appearance at Monte Carlo. He’s never won a match here, having lost his debut to Sebastian Korda in 2022. With no points to defend, it’s a clean slate.

Monte Carlo offers Alcaraz a much-needed reset on his favorite surface—red clay—with little pressure and high opportunity.

Alcaraz’s Path in Monte Carlo

Alcaraz will open against either Fabio Fognini or Francisco Cerundolo. Should he advance, a potential showdown with Andrey Rublev looms in the same quarter.

Tsitsipas and His Mysterious Mastery of Monte Carlo

While Alcaraz seeks confidence, Stefanos Tsitsipas arrives in Monaco with a different mission: defending his crown.

The Greek star has found consistent success here, even when his form elsewhere falters. Monte Carlo seems to bring out the best in him, and his comfort on clay could once again make him a title contender.

Stay tuned as we follow more storylines throughout the week—from Novak Djokovic’s campaign for control on clay to rising stars like Jack Draper looking to make their mark.