Alcaraz vs. Altmaier: Monte-Carlo Preview & Pick
There were two very different Alcarazes on court in his opening-round win over Francisco Cerundolo on Wednesday. In the first set, he looked lost and dazed as his shots flew haphazardly around the arena. In the next two sets, he looked fully confident in his entire arsenal, and played with a forceful efficiency that we haven’t seen a ton of from him in 2025. He went from C- to A+ over the course of an hour and a half.
Which of those Alcarazes we see on Thursday will determine how this match progresses, how close it is, and maybe even who wins it. He and Altmaier have never faced each other, but the German’s ranking of 84 makes him the definite underdog. That said, he should be in a groove on these courts by now; he has won four matches since starting the qualifying on Saturday, one of which was over 16th seed Felix Auger Aliassime.
We know Alcaraz can always come crashing to earth, but I’ll guess that he’ll stay locked in for another couple of sets. Winner: Alcaraz
