Carlos Alcaraz is off to a strong start in his Monte-Carlo Masters title defense, cruising past Sebastian Baez in straight sets. The young Spaniard looks right at home on the clay as he prepares for his next challenge against Tomas Martin Etcheverry.

With a favorable draw compared to rival Jannik Sinner, Alcaraz is in a prime position to make another deep run. Ahead of his second-round match, he revealed the key technical improvement fueling his 2026 campaign: a significantly upgraded serve.

"If I have to single out one in particular, it's my serve," Alcaraz told Eurosport France. "I've already invested a lot of time in that aspect, not only on the court but also off it. How to improve my movement, my throw, my technique, my feel. I've worked on it a lot."

This focus on service mechanics is a strategic evolution for Alcaraz, adding a powerful new weapon to his already explosive game. Interestingly, both he and Sinner have made notable serving strides this season, sharpening their tools in their ongoing battle for the world No. 1 ranking.

The Monte-Carlo Masters holds special significance for Alcaraz. Now in his third appearance, he boasts an impressive record here, having won the title in 2025 with only a single loss on these courts—a debut defeat to Sebastian Korda back in 2022.

With Korda absent from this year's field, Alcaraz can focus fully on executing his refined game. His enhanced serve could be the decisive factor as he navigates the clay season, aiming to consolidate his status at the pinnacle of the sport.