Comfort levels rising for Alcaraz in Monte-Carlo
The Spaniard takes on Arthur Fils in the quarters on Friday, having not won a match in Monte-Carlo until this year
Imago / Psnewz
It is not surprising that Carlos Alcaraz arrived in Monte-Carlo with a little trepidation, wondering what it is about the place that meant he had not won a match before this year’s event.
A hard-fought victory over Francisco Cerundolo in round two settled the nerves, though, and on Thursday, he lifted his game through a few gears as he cruised past Daniel Altmaier of Germany, pulling away after a tight battle in the first six games.
With Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev and Casper Ruud all out of the event, Alcaraz is now the favourite the title (alongside three-time champion Stefanos Tsitsipas) but for him, the most important thing is how he feels on the court.
“I just felt more comfortable (on Thursday),” he told reporters. “I think when you are coming to a new surface, you have to just play more time just to get better and better, to feel more comfortable.
“From the first match, I realised how I have to play here on clay, that I have to be myself all the time. That’s the way that I enjoy playing tennis. Just playing aggressive just doesn’t qualify me, and I realised that after the first set in the first round.
“After that, I think I’m just feeling better and better. As much time as I spending on court, I think I’m going to feel better. Hopefully in quarter-final, let’s see how it’s gonna be, but I guess I’m gonna feel better moving, playing, so I think it’s gonna be better.”
“It’s going to be beautiful to watch”
Alcaraz will take on the in-form Frenchman Arthur Fils in the quarter-finals and the Spaniard said he’s looking forward to taking him on for the first time.
“He’s playing great,” Alcaraz said. “I think he’s the only player who made at least the quarter-final in every Masters 1000 (this year).
“His level is really high right now. I saw a little bit from his match today, and he’s playing great. I’m not gonna be scared; that’s for sure. I’ll just try to play my tennis, try to show good tennis, put pressure on him. Let’s see how it’s gonna be, but I’m excited about facing him for the first time.
“It’s going to be a really tough battle. But at the same time, it’s going to be beautiful to play and I guess beautiful to watch.”
