TENNIS: Alcaraz ready to get his socks dirty with return to clay

World number one Carlos Alcaraz said he is excited to “get his socks dirty” on clay again as he returned to his favorite surface this week in Monaco, looking to build momentum ahead of his French Open title defense.

Alcaraz captured his fifth Grand Slam by defeating Jannik Sinner in an epic Roland Garros final last June. The young Spaniard also enjoyed a successful 2025 clay season, winning titles in Monte Carlo and Rome, and finishing as runner-up in Barcelona.

“This is probably one of the best times of the season for me,” Alcaraz told reporters on Sunday in Monaco.

“I miss clay every time the clay season ends. Since Roland Garros, I haven’t touched clay. During my first practices, I told my team, ‘It’s time to get the socks dirty again.’ It feels amazing to be back.”

After missing last year’s Madrid Open due to injury, Alcaraz hopes to play a full schedule leading up to Roland Garros, which begins on May 24.

“Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Madrid, Rome … that’s the plan,” the 22-year-old said.

“It’s physically and mentally demanding. Maybe Barcelona is when I should rest, but it’s a very important tournament for me. My goal is to take care of my body as much as possible during matches and tournaments.”

Reflecting on his 2025 season, the seven-time Grand Slam champion said winning Monte Carlo was a turning point.

“After the feeling I got here, I just got better and better,” he added.

“I understood how I should play after this week. That’s why I had an exceptional year.”

Alcaraz will open his Monaco campaign in the second round against either Stan Wawrinka or Sebastian Baez.

-Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford/Reuters