Carlos Alcaraz’s title defense at the Monte-Carlo Masters has been straightforward so far as he begins his clay court season.
Alcaraz defeated Sebastian Baez in straight sets to begin his campaign at the Monte-Carlo Masters and set up a match with Tomas Martin Etcheverry.
The Spaniard has been gifted an easier side of the draw to Jannik Sinner, who arrives at the tournament having played far more tennis at the Sunshine Double.
Ahead of his second match in Monte-Carlo, Alcaraz has divulged his biggest improvement so far this season.
Carlos Alcaraz highlights his biggest improvement
In an interview with Eurosport France, the Spaniard said his serve has become bigger and better this season.
“If I have to single out one in particular, it’s my serve. I’ve already invested a lot of time in that aspect, not only on the court but also off it,” he explained.
Will Jannik Sinner overtake Carlos Alcaraz and become world number one? 🤔
If so, when will he do it?
“How to improve my movement, my throw, my technique, my feel. I’ve worked on it a lot; for me, it’s crucial to visualise it both on and off the court.”
Both Sinner and Alcaraz have massively improved their serves in the 2026 season as they continue to dominate the sport.
The pair are fighting over the world number one spot at the Monte-Carlo Masters. If Sinner wins the event, he will become world number one for the first time since the US Open.
Carlos Alcaraz’s record at the Monte-Carlo Masters
This year’s Monte-Carlo Masters is just Alcaraz’s third appearance at the first clay court Masters event of the year.
Having won the event in 2025, it means the Spaniard has tasted defeat at the tournament on just one occasion.
What do you think is Carlos Alcaraz’s best surface and why?
Alcaraz’s defeat came in his opening round match during the 2022 Monte-Carlo Masters, against Sebastian Korda.
Much like the Miami Open, Korda defeated Alcaraz in the second round of the competition in three sets.
Thankfully for Alcaraz, Korda has opted not to play the Monte-Carlo Masters this year after competing at the Sunshine Double.
