Carlos Alcaraz has bluntly called out the lack of privacy for tennis stars. The Spaniard shared his thoughts about the constant presence of cameras during tournaments and demanded a safe space for players.

The discussion surrounding cameras that capture the behind-the-scenes moments of tennis tournaments has been the centre of attention since the Australian Open. During the year’s first Grand Slam, American tennis star Coco Gauff was filmed smashing her racket near the match call area inside the venue after her loss to Elina Svitolina. The 22-year-old later admitted that she had intentionally seeked out a place that she thought was exempt from cameras.

Recently, during an interaction with media at the Monte-Carlo Masters, Carlos Alcaraz shared his thoughts about the constant surveillance at tournaments, saying,

“For the fans, it’s great. They love seeing what goes on behind the scenes, what we do, what the facilities inside the tournaments look like. But for the players, it’s a bit strange, because we don’t really have anywhere to relax anymore, because we’re constantly thinking there are cameras and that everyone is watching us.”

At the Australian Open, Alcaraz himself was filmed scrolling through his phone, with the contents of the screen fairly visible. The Spaniard emphasised that played deserve a safe space, saying,

“Having cameras so close, able to see what we’re watching on our phones, I think that’s too much. We already don’t have much privacy in tournaments, and I think this is too much. We should have spaces where we can be alone without being filmed.”

Apart from Alcaraz, several other ATP and WTA stars have spoken out about the need for privacy during tournaments.

Carlos Alcaraz gears up for potential Stan Wawrinka clash at Monte-Carlo Masters

Carlos Alcaraz is scheduled to kick off his clay season at the Monte-Carlo Masters. The ATP 1000 event takes place between April 5 and 12, with the Worlds No.1 entering the tournament as the top seed and defending champion.

In Monte-Carlo, Alcaraz has been handed a bye for his opening round match. The Spaniard could then run into Swiss tennis star Stan Wawrinka for his second round encounter, provided that Wawrinka defeats Sebastian Baez in his round of 64. If Alcaraz and Wawrinka do meet, it would mark the first clash between the two players.

Overall, Carlos Alcaraz will be looking for a strong performance at the Monte-Carlo Masters. After disappointing runs at Indian Wells and the Miami Open, the 22-year-old’s reign as the World No.1 is currently at threat from longtime rival Jannik Sinner.