Holger Rune picks who he thinks is ‘possibly the best player in the world’ on clay courts right now

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Holger Rune remains on the chase for a fifth ATP Tour title, with another opportunity now arising at the Monte-Carlo Masters.

Rune was delighted with his progress after reaching the Indian Wells final last month, which he lost to Jack Draper.

Former player Jack Sock was surprised Rune reached the Indian Wells final, where the British number one won 6-2, 6-2.

ATP number 12 Rune then lost his Miami Open opener to Reilly Opelka, having been the 11th seed at the hard-court event.

The Dane now turns his focus to the clay courts of the Monte-Carlo Masters, where Rune is the 10th seed.

Holger Rune thinks Carlos Alcaraz is the world’s best player on clay right now

He takes on Nuno Borges in round one of the ATP Masters 1000 event, but is well aware of the threat that Carlos Alcaraz poses on the surface.

Asked in his pre-tournament interview who he thinks is the toughest player right now to play on clay, Rune replied: “I think the toughest one [on clay] might be Alcaraz.

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“Let’s see how his form is beginning of the clay season but he’s a guy when he hits his best level he’s possibly the best in the world. He can definitely bring a big challenge.

“The last years he was injured so he hasn’t gotten the experience like other players here but I’m sure he will eventually.”

What clay court titles has Carlos Alcaraz won in his career?

Alcaraz is likely to be a big threat on clay in 2025, having won eight of his 17 ATP Tour titles on the surface.

He won the French Open last year, following on from his wins at Buenos Aires, Barcelona and Madrid in 2023.

READ MORE: Andrea Petkovic says Mirra Andreeva has done something ‘insane’ that even Carlos Alcaraz couldn’t do

But as Rune mentioned, the Spanish star has largely been absent from Monte-Carlo due to injury, with Alcaraz set to make just his second appearance at the tournament.

He enters as the second seed, and will take on the winner of Fabio Fognini and Francisco Cerundolo in round two.