Carlos Alcaraz Best In the World On Clay Courts According To Rival Holger Rune

Carlos Alcaraz is “the best player in the world” on clay courts, according to his young rival Holger Rune.

Unlike some players who excel on just one surface, Alcaraz has proven he can dominate anywhere. While his countryman Rafael Nadal built his legacy primarily on clay, the 21-year-old Spaniard has already claimed grand slam titles on every major surface.

He’s won the US Open, Wimbledon, and Roland Garros—all before his 22nd birthday.

What’s interesting is that despite his Spanish background (which typically suggests a clay-court specialist), Alcaraz previously mentioned hard courts as his favorite. But that’s changed.

After beating Francisco Cerundolo in the second round of this year’s Monte-Carlo Masters, Alcaraz surprised fans by declaring clay his new preferred surface.

Why the switch? It comes down to what makes tennis exciting.

“I think the tough battles, and as I say the serve is not as important probably as on hard court, so I think that’s pretty good for me,” Alcaraz explained after his match.

He loves that clay forces players to work harder for points rather than relying on powerful serves.

“Yeah, long rallies… Get the socks dirty a little bit. That’s what I missed, to watch good tennis. I think on clay you can watch the real tennis,” he said.

The young champion particularly enjoys the extended exchanges that clay courts create.

“On clay, you see long rallies. For example, yesterday, a 48-shot rally. That’s what I like, watching tennis and playing here on clay.”

Alcaraz’s confidence on clay hasn’t gone unnoticed by his peers.

Holger Rune, another rising star, didn’t hesitate when asked who’s currently the best on clay. For two decades, that question had an obvious answer in Rafael Nadal. But with Nadal’s career winding down, a new clay king is emerging.

“I think the toughest one [on clay] might be Alcaraz,” Rune stated firmly. “When he hits his best level, I think he’s possibly the best in the world. I think he can definitely bring a big challenge.”

Rune did note that Alcaraz hasn’t had as much experience at Monte-Carlo specifically due to past injuries, but added: “I’m sure he will eventually.”

With his all-surface skills and growing preference for clay, tennis fans might be witnessing the rise of the sport’s next great clay court champion.