Although Carlos Alcaraz has yet to step onto the court at the 2026 Monte-Carlo Masters, his title defense is already facing an unexpected hurdle, with his carefully structured routine thrown off balance. With plenty on the line at the ATP Masters 1000 event, the Spaniard also finds himself under added pressure as Jannik Sinner looms with a prime chance to dethrone him as world No. 1.
Why Carlos Alcaraz Is Breaking His Superstition at the Monte-Carlo Masters
Carlos Alcaraz likes to stick to a familiar routine when returning to a tournament as the defending champion by using the same locker from the previous year. However, that tradition will be disrupted at the Monte-Carlo Masters. Speaking to reporters in Monaco ahead of his opening match, the seven-time Grand Slam champion revealed that his locker from last year has been reassigned, creating an unexpected wrinkle in his preparations.
“There are certain things I like to do always the same way. For example, I try to use the same locker if I won the tournament the previous year. But this year they took away the locker from last year, so I don’t know… But yes, I have some habits, exercises that I like to do the same way all week,” Alcaraz said.
The 22-year-old also opened up about his approach to his title defense, emphasizing his desire to block out the pressure that comes with it. He made it clear that he plans to focus on his preparations and identifying areas where he can improve.
“It’s a new year, new sensations, new things to improve, new things I think about in training and matches. I’m going to try to prepare as well as possible for the first match and for the coming week,” he added. “I’m not thinking about defending a title. It’s about how I feel, and right now, I’m just trying to have good feelings.”
Carlos Alcaraz’s Path at the Monte-Carlo Masters
After a first-round bye, Alcaraz will commence his title defense against Stan Wawrinka or Sebastián Baez. He could then meet Grigor Dimitrov in the third round, with a potential quarterfinal clash with Alexander Bublik or Jiří Lehečka on the cards. The Spaniard’s likely semifinal opponents include last year’s finalist Lorenzo Musetti and Alex de Minaur.
MORE: Carlos Alcaraz ‘Surprised’ by Jannik Sinner’s Monte-Carlo Decision As He Eyes Showdown
Carlos Alcaraz will also be acutely aware of the rankings implications. An exit before the quarterfinals would leave Jannik Sinner needing only a semifinal appearance to claim the world No. 1 spot.
If Alcaraz falls in the semifinals, Sinner could overtake him by reaching the final. The Italian also has a direct route to the crown, as winning his maiden Monte-Carlo Masters title would secure the top spot regardless of Alcaraz’s results.