Carlos Alcaraz has admitted his first few matches of the clay court season will not be easy because of an ankle issue that he is still carrying while entering the European clay swing.
Speaking ahead of 2024 Monte Carlo Masters, Alcaraz revealed he was very concerned about his foot during his first practice session on clay after sustaining an injury in Rio of late. In his opening round clash against Thiago Monteiro at the ATP 500 event in February, Alcaraz was forced to exit the match after completion of just two games as his ankle got badly twisted.
The World No. 3 made his return to the court against compatriot Rafael Nadal in the Netflix Slam exhibition in Las Vegas on March 3 and his tentative movement was visible. However, in the following tournament at Indian Wells, Alcaraz was on full throttle and showed no signs of physical wear as he dropped just two sets to seal the trophy – his first since 2023 Wimbledon. He was then downed by a resurgent Grigor Dimitrov in the last 8 at Flordian Masters.
The 20-year-old is set to register his second Monte Carlo Masters appearance, having lost to Sebastian Korda in the R2 in 2022.
Talking to Eurosport, the Spaniard clarified he is not experiencing any physical issue but wanted to be cautious on the surface where he rolled his ankle.
“Well honestly, I thought about it in my first practice on clay, with all the slices and all that stuff. I was really careful on it. But after the first hour, I just try not to think about it and played normally,” said Alcaraz.
“Right now, I don’t feel pain on the ankle, I am moving normally. It’s something that I have to trust, and let’s see. But it’s gonna be difficult probably – the first matches with the ankle. In my mind probably there’s gonna be thoughts on it.”
The two-time major winner also shared how he rediscovered his joy during the Sunshine Double, before the start of clay-court season.
“I learned a lot from the tournaments that I have played since the season began. I’m glad to find my tennis again in the last two tournaments,” Alcaraz said.
“All my life, I’ve played on clay courts so I know better how to play on the surface. [In] the last two tournaments, I recovered my joy and my game and I’m glad to be able to show that level on clay again.”
Alcaraz also revealed how playing golf has made a positive impact on his tennis, but admitted he is a no way close to beat his great compatriot Nadal in golf.
“[Rafa and I] spoke about playing golf [together] one day. I can’t compete against him in golf; I’d have to practice for years,” declared the Spaniard.
“It’s something that has helped me a lot to turn my mind off, and thanks to that, I can play better on the tennis court. I try to play golf as much as I can to disconnect and it’s really helpful when I’m not training or in competition.”
Alcaraz is the No 3 seed in Monte Carlo and will get the winner of Felix Auger-Aliassime or a qualifier for his opening round test.