“I think he’s reaching a level on clay that is going to be really dangerous for everybody” : Carlos Alcaraz on his defeat to Jannik Sinner in the Monte Carlo finals

Carlos Alcaraz will enter as the top seed at the Barcelona Open this week, just days after losing his world number one ranking to Jannik Sinner. The Spaniard was defeated in the finals of the Monte Carlo Masters in straight sets, as Jannik Sinner claimed his third successive Masters title on Sunday.

Speaking ahead of the Barcelona Open, the Spaniard admitted that Jannik Sinner’s level of clay has gotten better over the years, and this is a huge warning sign for his competitors. Last year, the Spaniard claimed the French Open title by defeating Jannik Sinner in the finals after being a set and a break down in the fourth set.

“One point you play a point with the wind helping and the next point it was totally opposite. So it was tricky to understand where the wind goes. We have seen Jannik’s level on clay and I think he’s been improving a lot year by year. I think he’s reaching a level on clay that is going to be really dangerous for everybody. I’m not surprised at all, because we could see last year in Roland Garros the level he played,” said Alcaraz.

Carlos Alcaraz reflects on his defeat to Jannik Sinner in the Monte Carlo finals

Speaking on his defeat in the finals to his arch-rival, Carlos Alcaraz admitted that he made a lot of unforced errors. He also stated that he had many opportunities to break Sinner’s serve in the second set, but could not take his chances.

Additionally, Alcaraz also stated that conditions were on the trickier side in the finals on Sunday. “I would say that the important moments, the important points, I didn’t play well. I think I had so many opportunities in the match that I didn’t take it. So many games, points, so many 15/30, Love/30. I think the first tie-break, I didn’t play well and I think he just played unbelievable tennis when it mattered. I think that was the key today. I think today was really difficult conditions, because I just consider myself that I play great tennis when there is a lot of wind,” Alcaraz added.

After Carlos Alcaraz’s strong start to the season, the Spaniard has not been able to assert his dominance at the Master’s event, where Jannik Sinner has reigned supreme. He will look to add another title this week, as he enters tthe Barcelona Open as the strong favorite.