Carlos Alcaraz received some criticism for his performances before winning the Monte Carlo Masters title.
Alcaraz lost to David Goffin in his only match at the Miami Open, in what was his last tournament before switching his attention to clay courts.
Since winning his biggest title of the season so far at the Monte Carlo Masters, Alcaraz has been congratulated by Novak Djokovic and many other of his fellow players.
Despite the triumphant scenes following his title victory, Alcaraz admitted he has struggled over the past month.
Andy Roddick says what Carlos Alcaraz suffers with after winning the Monte Carlo Masters
Alcaraz won the Rotterdam Open back in February, but had not added to his trophy cabinet since then.
Due to the high standards that the 21-year-old has already created for himself, Alcaraz received some criticism from fans.
However, when speaking on the Tennis Channel Live podcast, former world number one Andy Roddick defended Alcaraz and pointed out that he is actually leading the race to the ATP Finals.
“I like how all we are talking about this year is how Carlos has struggled a little bit,” said Roddick. “Oh, by the way, he is number one in the race. I understand Jannik Sinner has been suspended. I am just saying. We are now judging this kid against his own massive shadow.
“I don’t think anyone on Earth doubts that even if he plays badly for two or three weeks that he can’t catch form very quickly in a match or two and flip the script and win a Masters 1000 title. We didn’t need him to prove anything to us this week but he just showed again, bet against me at your own risk.”
Not only has the Spaniard risen in the race, but Alcaraz has also overtaken Alexander Zverev as the new world number two.
What other statistic does Carlos Alcaraz lead after winning the Monte Carlo Masters?
With Jannik Sinner banned until next month, Alcaraz has taken advantage and now leads the ATP Finals race.
After beating Lorenzo Musetti to win his sixth Masters 1000 title, Alcaraz is also now level with Daniil Medvedev in the history books at just 21-years-old, with just nine players ahead of him in that regard.
Alcaraz has also won more matches than anyone bar Alex de Minaur in 2025, with both players tied on 20 wins so far this year.
There is also a possibility that Alcaraz and De Minaur could separate themselves this week, as they are on course to meet in the Barcelona Open quarter-finals.
Alcaraz has never previously lost to De Minaur, who reached the Monte Carlo semi-finals last week, having won all three of their previous meetings.
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