Carlos Alcaraz is back in ATP action this week as he seeks to defend his title at the Monte Carlo Masters.
And the ATP number one has started off in blistering fashion, defeating Sebastian Baez 6-1, 6-3 in his opening match.
Alcaraz is the top seed at the Monte Carlo Masters, which he entered with a 17-2 record and two titles won in 2026.
He completely dominated men’s tennis in the early stages of the season, winning both the Australian Open and the Qatar Open.
Alcaraz has since lost some of that momentum, but it hasn’t stopped Rick Macci from reacting to claims that the Spanish superstar is “bored”.
Will Carlos Alcaraz bounce back by winning the Monte Carlo Masters?
If not, who will win the title?
Rick Macci slams “bored” Carlos Alcaraz claims
Serena Williams’ former coach Macci posted on X: “When you lose and you are heading toward rare air everybody has an opinion like Carlos is bored.
“BORED?
“That comment alone for an athlete means you not a competitor and do not care.
“That is so far off and just an inexperienced overreaction to losing.
“Greatness loses.
“Both Meddy (Daniil Medvedev) and Sebby (Sebastian Korda) deserved to win.
“They rolled dice did not think twice.”
Medvedev ended Alcaraz’s stunning run in the semifinals of Indian Wells, with Korda then shocking the Spaniard in the third round of the Miami Open.
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Carlos Alcaraz could be heading for big clay-court success in 2026
Alcaraz dipped out of form heading into the clay-court swing, which he has now started at the Monte Carlo Masters.
But recent history on the surface, and indeed his ruthless display against Baez, suggests the Spaniard is in a great place to achieve big success.
He needed just 70 minutes to make it past the Argentine, setting up a third round tie with either Tomas Martin Etcheverry or Terence Atmane.
| Carlos Alcaraz | Sebastian Baez | |
| 6/9 (67%) | Net points won | 2/6 (33%) |
| 24 | Winners | 5 |
| 24 | Unforced errors | 22 |
| 31/45 (69%) | Service points won | 28/62 (45%) |
| 34/62 (55%) | Return points won | 14/45 (31%) |
| 65/107 (61%) | Total points won | 42/107 (39%) |
But perhaps more importantly, Alcaraz enjoyed a simply sensational 2025 season on clay.
He went through four tournaments with a 22-1 record, clinching three titles along the way in Monte Carlo, Rome and the French Open.
Only Holger Rune was able to defeat the Spanish superstar on clay, with their meeting having arrived in the Barcelona final.
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