“Actually it wasn’t mine”: Carlos Alcaraz sets record straight on boat rumours in Monte-Carlo

Wednesday, 08 April 2026 at 23:00

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Carlos Alcaraz moved quickly to clarify off-court speculation during the Monte-Carlo Masters, addressing recent attention surrounding a catamaran linked to him while opening his clay-court campaign with a controlled win. The Spaniard, who defeated Sebastian Baez 6-1, 6-3 in his first match, used the moment to explain the situation and place it within the context of his broader routine during the season.

The 22-year-old confirmed that the boat circulating on social media was not his, noting that it had been used for a promotional shoot. However, he acknowledged that a personal project is underway, with a custom build expected to take significant time. The clarification came as Alcaraz returned to competition on clay following a demanding hard-court stretch.

While the topic drew attention, Alcaraz framed it as part of a wider effort to maintain balance during an intense calendar. After the Sunshine Double, he took several days away from tennis, splitting time between Miami and home before beginning preparations for the European clay swing. That period, he suggested, was essential to reset both physically and mentally.

The Spaniard arrives in Monte-Carlo after nearly a year without competing on clay, a surface where he has consistently been among the most effective players on tour. His opening performance reflected a smooth transition, but his comments off court provided additional insight into how he manages recovery and maintains focus during extended stretches of competition.

“It helps me disconnect”: Alcaraz explains boat situation

Alcaraz addressed the speculation directly, stating that the boat seen recently was not part of his personal assets. He explained that the appearance stemmed from a controlled setting rather than ownership, while confirming that his own project is in development and will take over a year to complete.

“Actually it wasn’t mine. We took that boat for the shooting. Mine is going to be built, so it’s going to take one year, one year and a half. I’m super excited about it.”

Beyond the clarification, Alcaraz highlighted the role that time at sea plays in his routine away from competition. He described it as a way to detach from the demands of the tour, particularly after periods of sustained travel and high-intensity matches.

“When you’re on the sea, everything is chill. Let’s say my mind disconnects from everything. So I’m super excited about it.”

The discussion also extended briefly to interactions with fellow players, including Tommy Paul, who has expressed interest in joining him once the project is completed. Alcaraz approached the idea lightly, suggesting that any invitation would likely come with conditions, reflecting a relaxed approach to the situation despite the attention it generated.

Strong start on clay after reset period

Although the off-court topic dominated attention, Alcaraz’s performance in Monte-Carlo remained central to his week. He acknowledged the difficulty of opening matches, particularly when transitioning between surfaces, but pointed to his level against Baez as a positive indicator early in the clay season.

He noted that it had been close to a year since his last match on clay, making the quality of his ball striking especially relevant. The Spaniard said he “felt the ball really well,” emphasising that his execution allowed him to control rallies and maintain pressure throughout the match.

“The first match of every tournament is never easy. I would say even tougher when you're just switching surfaces. It was almost one year since the last match that I played on clay. The level that I played against Sebastian was pretty high.”

Alcaraz also outlined the adjustments required on clay, pointing to longer rallies and increased preparation time between shots. He explained that the surface encourages a more deliberate style, with players adapting return positions and constructing points with greater patience compared to faster courts.

“I think on clay you have more time to think, more time to prepare the point, to prepare the shot. The ball doesn’t slip that much on the court, which helps you to think clear and pull out great shots.”

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Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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