Blocking out the Noise

Monte Carlos

Blocking Out the Noise

In another paella vs. pasta classic, Carlos Alcaraz defeated Lorenzo Musetti 3-6, 6-1, 6-0 to claim his first Monte Carlo Rolex Masters title. The win brings Carlitos back up to No. 2 in the world, and marks a key turnaround for him after a rocky Sunshine Double.

Alcaraz came into the tournament with a bad second round loss in Miami. Mentally, he didn’t look right. For the first time in a while, he looked like someone carrying the weight of expectation. After lifting the trophy, the Spaniard spoke candidly about that pressure:

But in the same breath, he explained what had changed. “One thing that I learned the last month is I have to think about myself. I have to just think about my people, my team, my family… No matter what happens on court—if I win, if I lose—I just have to leave the court happy.”

On one hand, this is a classic insight from a young athlete under the spotlight. But it also speaks to how quickly expectations have escalated for Carlitos. Any loss for the four-time major champ is perceived as a big deal. I guess that’s what he gets for being the next act after the Big 3—who were known for long stretches of utter dominance.

While he’s won four majors, he’s still barely old enough to order a Bud Light. And he's still figuring things out: how to manage his schedule, how to compete week-in and week-out without burning out, and how to ask Radacanu out (just send her funny TikToks man). And now, how to keep the outside noise at bay.

That pressure only intensifies when Jannik Sinner isn’t in the draw. Being the favorite in Monte Carlo definitely added pressure. But based on Carlos’ level throughout the tournament, it seems like he succeeded in taking some of the pressure off.

After a shaky first set against Musetti, Alcaraz locked in. He lost just one game across the next two sets, finding the mix of defense, aggression, and drop shots that makes him a nightmare to play on the dirt. But more than his level, it was the certainty behind his decisions that stood out. There was no tension, no overthinking. Just clarity.

This wasn’t a tactical breakthrough. It was a mental one. Alcaraz didn’t suddenly find a new weapon—he just blocked out the noise. And once he did, everything clicked.

Zooming out: if I’m the rest of the tour, I’m not “happy for you, Carlos.” I’m fucking terrified. The kid just found his game and took his mental strength up a level. Bet against him at the French if you dare.

Trivia

The player below is two players’ faces merged into one. Who are the two players?

Find out at the bottom!

Meet the Player

Tommy Paul

From: USA 🇺🇸

Career High Ranking: 9

Fun Fact: Voted 2nd hottest player on the ATP this year by fans, behind Matteo Berrettini

Game Analysis: Paul is the complete package—great serve, groundies, net game, and jaw line. But one thing that separates him from a Top 50 player is his athleticism. The American is lightning fast and can turn on a dime, which allows him to hit a high quality shot from anywhere on the court, and play incredible defense.

Career Prediction: TP is in his prime. The Florida-native broke into the Top 10 at the beginning of this year, and consistently makes the second week at Majors. There’s probably not a slam trophy with his name on it, but he definitely has the game to finish a year in the Top 8 and make the World Tour Finals.

Around the Tour

Some of my favorite tennis content I found on the internet this week…

🪢 A day in the life of a stringer at a professional tournament

🧱 From playing on the clay to playing with it. See how good Alcaraz, Dimitrov and other ATP stars are at ceramics. Spoiler: the video is soothing af 🤤

⭐️ Alongside Magic Johnson and Maria Sharapova (they’re prob bffs), Billie Jean King received a historic star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The photos are actually super cute

Answer

Rafael Nadal & Novak Djokovic!