Carlos Alcaraz was understandably frustrated by his performance at the Paris Masters this year.
Alcaraz had made extra preparations for the Paris Masters this year, but they did not pay off at all as he was beaten in his opening match by Cameron Norrie.
While Norrie’s performance has been highly praised, people including Jim Courier have pointed out mistakes Alcaraz made.
There has also been a lot of talk about some comments Alcaraz made during the match, which did not match up with what he said before the tournament even began.
Carlos Alcaraz makes contrasting comments about the Paris Masters courts
Alcaraz was beaten by Norrie, 4-6 6-3 6-4, in his earliest defeat at any tournament since losing to David Goffin at the Miami Open.
The Paris Masters have moved location this year, and therefore there has been a lot of speculation surrounding the changes the tournament has made including the courts.
It had been reported that the courts at the Paris Masters were slower this year, which was suggested to favour Alcaraz.
This is something that Alcaraz appeared to agree with, as before the tournament he said, “It’s much slower, but I like it this way. For me, it’s a really good speed. I’ve always said that I prefer slower courts.”
However, during the match Alcaraz was heard talking to his team about the courts and complaining about how slow they were.
Alcaraz was heard saying, “This is clay, this is worse than Monte Carlo.”
While these comments were likely just as a result of frustration, Alcaraz is always going to have more eyes on what he says as a world number one and six-time Grand Slam champion.
The Paris Masters continue to be Alcaraz’s worst ATP 1000 tournament, and perhaps it is more linked to the indoor conditions not favouring his game rather than the speed of the courts.
Particularly as Alcaraz won the Monte Carlo Masters earlier this year, so he should probably have been pleased if he really believes the new Paris Masters courts play like clay.
Carlos Alcaraz’s Masters 1000 summarised after his Paris Masters defeat
After his loss to Norrie, Alcaraz will not play a Masters 1000 tournament until Indian Wells next year.
Although it has finished on a sour note, Alcaraz has been very successful at Masters 1000 events this year.
This has included winning three titles, with Alcaraz winning the Cincinnati Open, Italian Open and the Monte Carlo Masters.
| Masters 1000 tournament | Carlos Alcaraz’s result |
| Indian Wells | Lost in the semifinal to Jack Draper |
| Miami Open | Lost in the second round to David Goffin |
| Monte Carlo Masters | Won the title |
| Madrid Open | Did not play |
| Italian Open | Won the title |
| Canadian Open | Did not play |
| Cincinnati Open | Won the title |
| Shanghai Masters | Did not play |
| Paris Masters | Lost in the second round to Cameron Norrie |
The only players to beat Alcaraz at Masters 1000 tournaments this year are Jack Draper, Goffin and Norrie.
Alcaraz actually only played six of the nine Masters 1000 tournaments in 2025, having withdrawn from the Madrid Open, Canadian Open and Shanghai Masters for varying reasons.
There are now only two tournaments left this year for Alcaraz, who is particularly hoping to win the Davis Cup.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
