Carlos Alcaraz hits back at critics following 'unexpected' Monte Carlo win - 'It is very easy to talk'
Published 15/04/2025 at 14:54 GMT+1
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Carlos Alcaraz has hit back at his critics following his latest victory at the Monte Carlo Masters, saying "it is very easy to talk". The Spaniard attracted criticism following his opening-round exit from the Miami Open but was able to silence his doubters with a first title in Monte Carlo. He admitted he did not expect to lift the trophy but "has gained a lot of confidence" from the win.
‘It is easy to talk’ – Alcaraz hits back at critics after ‘unexpected’ Monte-Carlo win
Video credit: SNTV
Carlos Alcaraz has said he "gained a lot of confidence" from his "unexpected" victory at the Monte Carlo Masters, as he hit back at critics following a difficult build-up to the tournament.
The world No. 2 lifted his 18th career title on Sunday but came into Monte Carlo following a semi-final defeat against Jack Draper at Indian Wells and an opening-round defeat in Miami.
The Spaniard’s performances at the Sunshine Double attracted criticism, but he spoke of how those defeats acted as a "learning process", while brushing off negativity around his game, by saying "it is very easy to talk".
Alcaraz told reporters: "Perhaps there have been results that have not been enough for some people, even for myself.
"I have reached a point where no defeat is just nothing. But, it is a learning process, and we have to move forward.
"It is easy and free to talk. When someone has an expectation that is not met, it is very easy to talk. That is what I can say."
The four-time Grand Slam champion admitted that he was not expecting to triumph at his first tournament of the clay swing, but has taken confidence from claiming the title for the first time.
"I can say that in Monte Carlo I gained a lot of confidence," Alcaraz said.
"I honestly did not expect to win that tournament. Instead, I had just looked to pick up rhythm, play matches, add more hours on clay.
"But winning that trophy has given me a lot of confidence for what is still to come."
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Despite victory in Monaco, Alcaraz still sees room for improvement in his game as he continues to prepare for his Roland-Garros title defence.
The 21-year-old told reporters: "I do not think that I am at my best level. I think I have played at a better level this year at other points. I have played better matches than those in Monte Carlo.
"It is one thing to win, but it is quite another to really feel that you have played well."
Alcaraz is back in action on Tuesday, just two days after his latest tournament triumph, as he takes on Ethan Quinn at the Barcelona Open.
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