Alcaraz chafing under 24/7 ATP spotlight

Carlos Alcaraz has called out the  always-on media spotlight, with the world No. 1 hoping to concentrate on his tennis in some semblance of privacy.

The Spaniard who had a disappointing March on US hardcourt will try to resurrect his career – and hold off fast-closing rival Jannik Sinner in the chase to the No. 1 ranking – as top seed at this week’s Monte Carlo Masters.

But the multi-millionaire Spanird took a dig at the media spotlight put on all top players, saying he’s getting fed up with the scrutiny.

“We don’t have much privacy in tournaments, & I think this is too much. We should have spaces where we can be alone without being filmed,” he said.

“For the fans, it’s great. They love to see what happens behind the scenes, what we do, how the facilities are inside the tournaments. 

“But for the players, it’s a bit strange because we no longer have a place to relax, as we are constantly thinking that there are cameras and everyone is watching us.”

The complaint arises from the constant camera presence behind the scenes at the Australian Open and an incident where a Coco Gauff racquet smash after a match was viewed by all on closed circuit.

“Having cameras so close, being able to see what we are seeing on our phones, seems excessive to me,” Alcaraz said.

“Already, we don’t have much privacy in tournaments, and I think this is too much. We should have spaces where we can be alone without being filmed.”

While he frets, Alcaraz also has a job do to on court as he tried to defend his 2025 title in the principality,

His Indian Wells semi-final and a third-round loss in Miami have left him vulnerable to Italy’s Sinner, who lifted the trophy at both of the 1000-level events and closing in on a return to the top ATP ranking.

The Spaniard has a huge task looming on the European clay, after winning titles last season in Monte Carlos, Rome and Roland Garros.

“I miss clay every time the season ends. I miss it a lot. It had been a long time since I’d played on clay, so it felt like forever,” Alcaraz said.

“It’s time to get my socks dirty again.’ Honestly, it’s an amazing feeling to be back on clay.”