Carlos Alcaraz makes something clear about the criticism over recent surprising eliminations

Carlos Alcaraz may have captured the recent Monte–Carlo Masters title, but 2025 hasn’t been all smooth sailing for the young Spanish star. Despite his triumphs, including a victory at the ATP 500 in Rotterdam, Alcaraz has endured a series of disappointing performances.

Notably, he suffered a shocking first-round exit at the Miami Open, falling to veteran David Goffin, and underwhelming showings at tournaments in Doha, Indian Wells, and the Australian Open, where he lost to an injured Novak Djokovic.

Now, with his first clay-court title of the season under his belt, Alcaraz is looking ahead to a strong showing in the clay season, starting with the ATP 500 in Barcelona. Before his opening-round win against Ethan Quinn, Alcaraz reflected on the high expectations surrounding his performance.

“I suppose winning all matches 2-0, never losing,” he joked to reporters. “I don’t know, the level of demand is high, although I recognize that there have been some results that, for some people… even for myself, have not been as expected”.

Carlos Alcaraz of Spain plays a backhand against Ethan Quinn of the United States during their match of day two of the Barcelona Open. (David Ramos/Getty Images)

Alcaraz emphasized that every loss is a learning experience, no matter what critics might say. “We are four months into the year, and I have learned many things. Now I give importance to what truly matters,” he explained. “There have been certain defeats that may have felt insufficient to many, but for me, there is no defeat that feels insufficient anymore; they are all learning experiences”.

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Finally, the Spaniard had a clear message for those who criticize his results. “So, I need to move forward. Talking is easy and free, particularly when someone has expectations and doesn’t fulfill them—that’s all I can say,” Alcaraz stated.

Alcaraz didn’t expect Monte-Carlo triumph

Even after his success in Monte-Carlo, Alcaraz admitted that claiming the title wasn’t initially part of his expectations. His main goal had been to gain momentum on clay, but the victory has given him added confidence heading into the rest of the season.

“I can say that I gained a lot of confidence in Monte Carlo; I didn’t expect to win,” Alcaraz revealed. “I just wanted to get into the rhythm, the matches, and the hours on clay. Winning the title gives you confidence for what’s to come”.

He continued, “I’m very happy to come here, with the Monte Carlo title, with confidence and feeling very good physically. I’m ready to compete, feel the love of my people, play in Barcelona, in Spain. It will be an incredible feeling”.

Reflecting on his Barcelona opener

While Alcaraz took on World No. 126 Ethan Quinn in his Barcelona opener, the match wasn’t as straightforward as some expected. Alcaraz breezed through the first set 6-2 but faced more resistance in the second, ultimately needing a tiebreak to secure the win 7-6.

“It was a difficult match for me,” Alcaraz admitted in his post-match press conference, as reported by the ATP Tour. “I just had to deal with the pressure and the nerves. I’m really happy to have won in straight sets and to give myself a bit of energy for the next matches”.