Carlos Alcaraz defends the privacy of players in tournaments.

Carlos Alcaraz issues a stern warning about the invasion of tennis players’ privacy: “This is too much!”

In a candid outburst that promises to shake up the tennis world, Carlos Alcaraz, the current world number one, did not hold back in criticizing the growing harassment from cameras at tennis tournaments. The young Spanish prodigy, reigning champion of the prestigious Monte Carlo Masters, expressed his frustration with the lack of private spaces for players, denouncing a reality that goes far beyond the spotlight and live broadcasts.

Alcaraz spoke openly during the press conference ahead of the 2026 Monte Carlo Masters, where he will attempt to defend the title he won for the first time last year. “For the fans, it’s great. They love to see what happens behind the scenes, how we live and the tournament facilities,” began the 22-year-old tennis player, who has already won seven Grand Slam titles. “But for us players, it’s strange because we have nowhere to relax; we feel like we are always being watched, the cameras are always looking, even at what we do on our phones. This is too much.”

The Spanish champion has called for the creation of “spaces where we can be alone without being filmed,” emphasizing that athletes’ privacy is being systematically violated. This issue had already been raised by Coco Gauff in January, after cameras at the Australian Open captured the American tennis player breaking a racket in a corridor moments after her elimination in the quarter-finals. “I tried to go to a place where I wouldn’t be recorded, but it was impossible,” lamented Gauff, who argued that “the only truly private place at tournaments is the locker room.”

Alcaraz agrees and insists that this loss of privacy is a serious problem for players, who need moments of rest and relaxation without the constant pressure of cameras and prying eyes. “We should have places where we can be alone, without being filmed,” he stressed, delivering a clear message to the organizers and leaders of world tennis.

In addition to these strong statements, Carlos Alcaraz also spoke about his preparation to defend his title in Monte Carlo. The Spaniard refuses to think about pressure, focusing instead on his mental and physical state to face the clay season. “It’s a new year, with new sensations and goals for improvement. I want to prepare myself in the best way for the first match and for the whole week. I don’t think about defending the title, but rather how I feel – and right now I’m trying to feel good.”

Regarding his passion for clay courts, Alcaraz confessed: “It is, without a doubt, one of the best surfaces. I always miss it when the season ends. It felt like an eternity without playing on this surface. The first sessions were to find my rhythm again and remember that it’s time to get my socks dirty. It’s an incredible feeling to be back on clay.”

This outburst from Carlos Alcaraz raises a crucial alert for the world of tennis: how long will players continue to suffer from the lack of privacy at tournaments? The media pressure and the almost obsessive control of the cameras seem to be crossing all limits, demanding urgent reflection from organizers to protect the well-being of athletes.

The Monte Carlo Masters promises, therefore, not only to be an intense battle on the court but also the stage for a vital discussion about players’ rights off the court. Alcaraz, with his courage and straightforwardness, is giving voice to a cause that could forever change the landscape of professional tennis.

This article first appeared in Apito Final.