Carlos Alcaraz’s commanding 3-6, 6-1, 6-0 victory over Lorenzo Musetti in the Monte Carlo Masters final has cemented his status as a clay-court titan, but tennis legend Jimmy Connors believes the 21-year-old Spaniard must harness this momentum to dominate the upcoming clay season. Alcaraz’s sixth Masters 1000 title, earned in a dramatic come-from-behind performance, saw him reclaim the world No. 2 ranking and silence doubters after a rocky North American swing. Now, with the Barcelona Open and French Open title defense looming, Connors has offered pointed advice to ensure Alcaraz capitalizes on his red-hot form.
The Monte Carlo final was a tale of resilience. Alcaraz, initially rattled by Musetti’s crafty play and a barrage of 14 unforced errors in the first set, found his rhythm after a pivotal team talk that sparked a smile and a surge of confidence. “Seeing the hard work pay off makes me really happy,” Alcaraz said, reflecting on a challenging month marked by a shock Miami exit to David Goffin. His second-set dominance and third-set rout, aided by Musetti’s leg injury, showcased the explosive forehands and deft drop shots that make him a clay-court nightmare. “It’s been a really difficult week with a lot of difficult situations,” he added, proud of navigating gritty wins over Francisco Cerundolo, Arthur Fils, and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina en route to the title.
Connors, an eight-time Grand Slam champion, sees Alcaraz’s Monte Carlo triumph as a springboard but warns that consistency is key. Speaking on his Advantage Connors podcast, he urged Alcaraz to “keep the pedal down” and avoid complacency. “Carlos has got to use this win to set the tone for the clay season,” Connors said. “He’s young, he’s fit, and he’s got that fire, but he needs to stay locked in match after match. The top guys—Nadal, Djokovic—they didn’t let up after a big win, and that’s what separates the greats.” Connors emphasized that Alcaraz’s all-court game, proven across clay, grass, and hard courts, demands relentless focus to fend off rising stars like Jannik Sinner, who returns from a doping ban in May.
Alcaraz’s Monte Carlo run was a masterclass in adaptation. Against Fils, he saved three break points at a critical 5-5 in the second set, clinching a 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 thriller with a stunning lob. “I just wanted to stay strong and wait for my chances,” he said, highlighting his mental fortitude. Connors praised this resilience but cautioned that Alcaraz’s tendency to spray errors—32 in the final, 14 in the first set alone—could prove costly against Sinner or a resurgent Alexander Zverev. “He’s got to tighten up those loose moments,” Connors advised. “When you’re spraying forehands, it’s a gift to your opponent. On clay, he can’t afford that against the best.”
The Spaniard’s clay pedigree is undeniable. With a 15-1 record on the surface since last May, including a Roland Garros title, Alcaraz is the man to beat. His Monte Carlo victory, joining Spanish icons like Rafael Nadal and Juan Carlos Ferrero, positions him as a favorite for Barcelona, Madrid, and Rome. Yet, Connors stressed the mental game, echoing Alcaraz’s own revelation: “One thing that I learned the last month is I have to think about myself.” Connors elaborated, “He’s got to block out the noise—expectations, rankings, all of it. Focus on the court, not the hype.”
As Alcaraz heads to Barcelona to face Ethan Quinn, Connors’ words ring true: this is his moment to dominate. “If he plays like he did in Monte Carlo’s second and third sets, he’s unstoppable,” Connors said. With the clay season in full swing, Alcaraz’s ability to heed this advice could define his path to a second French Open crown and beyond, solidifying his place among tennis’s all-time greats.