Carlos Alcaraz Returns to Clay in Monaco with Eyes on French Open Defense

By Eppe Franklyne

The king of the red dirt is back. World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz has officially returned to his “preferred surface” this week at the Monte Carlo Masters, signaling the start of a high-stakes clay-court campaign aimed at defending his French Open title. After a dominant 2025 that saw him secure his fifth Grand Slam at Roland Garros and sweep titles in Monte Carlo and Rome, the 22-year-old Spaniard admitted he was eager to “get his socks dirty” once again.

“This is probably one of the best times of the season for me,” Alcaraz told reporters in Monaco on Sunday. “I miss clay every time the season is over… It feels amazing to be back.” His return to the clay follows an exceptional year where his victory in Monte Carlo served as the ultimate turning point, providing the tactical blueprint that led to his marathon final victory over Jannik Sinner in Paris last June. Now a seven-time Grand Slam champion, Alcaraz is looking to build that same momentum starting this week.

The Spaniard’s road to Roland Garros, which begins on May 24, is set to be a grueling one. Alcaraz confirmed his intention to play a full schedule, including Barcelona, Madrid, and Rome, despite the physical and mental toll. After missing the Madrid Open last year due to injury, the World No. 1 is prioritizing body management to ensure he arrives in Paris at peak fitness. “The plan is to take care of my body as much as possible during matches,” he noted, emphasizing that while Barcelona is a sentimental favorite, his long-term health is the priority.

Alcaraz will open his Monte Carlo campaign in the second round against either veteran Stan Wawrinka or clay-court specialist Sebastian Baez. With the ATP rankings currently reflecting his dominance, all eyes will be on whether the young superstar can replicate the near-perfect clay season that defined his historic 2025 run.

Do you think Alcaraz’s decision to play such a dense schedule before Roland Garros is a masterstroke for momentum, or does it risk a repeat of last year’s injury setbacks?

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