Alcaraz is already getting in shape on clay courts

The arrival of the clay court has been therapeutic for Carlos Alcaraz, who is rediscovering his tennis. He woke up in time during his match against Cerúndolo and confirmed his progress in the round of 16 of the Monte Carlo Masters 1000 against Daniel Altmaier with a score of 6-3 and 6-1. The German put in effort and courage, but was unable to match the game of the Spaniard, who is starting to find his rhythm on the clay and asserting his title candidacy. For now, Alcaraz is enjoying Monaco and already looking towards his next opponent: Arthur Fils.

In the second match Carlos played in Monaco, the third of his career, he faced Altmaier, whom he had never played against before. This 26-year-old German, ranked 68th, is not used to reaching the final rounds of big tournaments, but that doesn't mean his game isn't dangerous. With a topspin forehand and a flatter one-handed backhand, he appeared on the central court of Monte Carlo aiming to be the surprise of the day.

In the early games of the match, the Spaniard had to save several break points against the uncomfortable game of the German, who mixed high, heavy shots with winners. But Alcaraz stuck to his game plan, with both his forehand and backhand responding well. Gradually, he deciphered the German's game and broke in the fifth game.

However, Altmaier knew that his deep and heavy shots troubled the Spaniard, who lost focus for a while and conceded his service. The balance of power equalized at a crucial point in the set, and once again Alcaraz raised his level to break again. Despite this slip, he appeared very different from what was seen in Miami and in the first set against Cerúndolo. The feelings were positive, the frowns disappeared, and the young player from Murcia was smiling again.

He demonstrated this when he sealed the set with a powerful forehand down the line and let out a sigh of relief (6-3). There was still another set to win the match, but the feelings were increasingly positive and convincing. His confidence in his game was such that he even allowed himself the luxury of starting the second set with 0-40 down and turning it around with a assurance he hadn't shown earlier in the season.

After this missed opportunity, Altmaier seemed to lower his intensity. Despite continuing to fight, he seemed to run out of ideas. Alcaraz took advantage of this to seal the match: a double break and getting closer to his first quarterfinals in Monte Carlo.

On a sunny and crowded central court, the Spaniard couldn't stop smiling as he secured a match that he dominated from start to finish with a very solid and confident game, winning 6-3 and 6-1. It's too early to predict Alcaraz's performance in Monaco, but one thing is clear: he has left behind the crisis of game and results seen in the United States. Clay court suits him better than anyone.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Alcaraz ya coge tono en tierra batida