On Wednesday, Carlos Alcaraz came back from the jaws of a shocking defeat against Francisco Cerundolo (ARG) in the R32 of the Monte Carlo Masters. After winning, he was seen writing, “I missed clay” on the TV camera. Then in the R16, he outclassed Germany’s Daniel Altmaier in straight sets. And, now he’s keen to go another step forward towards clinching his first clay Masters 1000 title outside of Madrid. However, the road to glory is full of hurdles. His next big challenge will be to overcome Arthur Fils in the QF.

Recently, Serena Williams‘ ex-mentor, Rick Macci, was seen showcasing his excitement for this “popcorn match” and he also shared a few thoughts on Alcaraz’s gameplay. What did he say, though?

The Spaniard is now already the all-time ranking for the most effective players on the surface with at least 100 matches under their belts. With this, he now also goes straight in as the player with the highest win percentage, greater than that of even the two-time French Open champion, Novak Djokovic. However, there lies a bigger challenge ahead of him, the QF!

Arthur Fils continued his excellent start to 2025 at the ATP Masters 1000 level. He outclassed the 2023 titlist, Andrey Rublev, by 6-2,6-3 in just 62 minutes. Before this, Fils also reached the QF in the ‘Sunshine Doubles’. Currently, he is the only player to have reached the QF at all three ATP Masters 1000 events in 2025. Following that impressive win, Fils said, “From A to Z, I was very focused.” He admitted that he made the right choices, implemented his tactics, and was also feeling pretty good in this match.

Interesting Fact: Arthur Fils (20) has now broken a stunning Rafael Nadal record. He has now become the youngest player to reach at least the QF of the first three Masters events of the year. (Since the introduction of this format in 1990). 

Fils has never faced Alcaraz in his career before. However, several experts like Macci claim this would be a real blockbuster clash! Alcaraz has been struggling with his serves a bit recently. So, the Frenchman will look to exploit the Spaniard’s weakness and be proactive on the court. Rick Macci has an eye for spotting talent, having coached several Grand Slam champions during their youth.

What does he think about Alcaraz’s gameplay in this match? “Fils versus Alcaraz. Anybody at this level on any given Day especially if they love Clay can make you Pay keep you at Bey 28 rallies they Stay every point they do not go away. Popcorn match. Extra butter. @CarlosAlcaraz.”

In another tweet, he added, “On Clay Carlos the Conductor can break ankles easier and play a wicked game of Twister with you as he has more time. But on the flip side because of his unlimited items on the Spanish menu, there will be more free lunches served at times from the Magician. @carlosalcaraz.” 

However, this wasn’t the first time that we’ve seen him sharing his thoughts on Alcaraz’s playing style. In February this year, he took to social media to laud his aggressive gameplay. “He has most complete game with optimal quality we have seen in many years. When you have that many tools in the toolbox, it is that one specific shot from that exact spot and Spanish Magician imagination that cannot be bought. @carlosalcaraz.“

Carlos Alcaraz won a title in Rotterdam earlier this year. But his performances at the AO and the ‘Sunshine Doubles’ raised a few question marks about his consistency. Addressing all those question marks, Macci had then stood beside the Spaniard. He said his potential is “boundless“. Macci also reminded his critics that the journey of a professional tennis player is a “marathon, not a sprint.“

With this recent win against Altmaier, the Spaniard has now taken his win-loss record to 17-5. What did he say after securing an impressive victory in the R16?

Carlos Alcaraz sheds light on key play style change after reaching the QF

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Daniel Altmaier by 6-3,6-1 to reach his first QF at this tournament. After that match, he showered praise on his opponent. Altamaier’s game usually comprises a lot of topspin shots. He revealed that it was difficult to play against a solid clay-court player with a difficult game.

With this win, Alcaraz has now reached the QFs of every major tournament and Master 1000 event, excluding the Rome Masters. After seeing a gruelling fight against Cerundolo and then making a strong comeback here, what changes did he make in his game, though?

He shared, “I think when you are coming to a new surface, you have to just play more time just to get better and better, to feel more comfortable.” He further added, “From the first match, I realized how I have to play here on clay, that I have to be myself all the time. That’s the way that I enjoy playing tennis. Just playing aggressively just doesn’t qualify me, and I realized that after the first set in the first round.” Alcaraz says that he’s feeling better with every match. “Hopefully, in quarter-final, let’s see how it’s going to be. But I guess I’m going to feel better moving, playing, so I think it’s going to be better.“

Can he now keep this run going a seal a victory against Fils? Well, talking about the Frenchman, Alcaraz said “his level is really high right now” and hence he believes it is really going to be a tough match. Who do you think will secure his spot in the SF?