Jaume Munar Prepares for Challenging Clash Against Carlos Alcaraz

In anticipation of their upcoming second-round match at the HSBC Championships in London on June 18, 2025, Jaume Munar reflects on his previous encounters with Carlos Alcaraz, highlighting the evolution of the young Spaniard from a promising talent to a dominant force in men's tennis. Munar, currently ranked No. 59 in the world, recalls their first meeting in April 2021 during the ATP 250 event in Marbella, where a 17-year-old Alcaraz, despite losing, left a lasting impression with his power and aggressive style of play.

Munar stated, "He was a young kid, playing fast and easy. Back then, he couldn’t always manage the moment and made a few more mistakes. But you could already see how talented he was, with so much power in every shot." This early match, which Munar won in straight sets, marked a pivotal moment as Alcaraz began making significant strides on the ATP Tour.

Now, as a five-time Grand Slam champion and the world No. 2, Alcaraz’s ascent is a source of pride for Munar, who emphasizes the positive influence Alcaraz has on the sport. "He’s an extremely nice guy. Down to earth, a fantastic person. Not just a great tennis player. He’s the kind of personality that’s really good for the sport, and also great for Spain," Munar said.

The context of this match is particularly significant for Spanish tennis, which is transitioning following the retirement of Rafael Nadal. Munar noted, "After Rafa, we still have a top figure in the sport, which is huge. We’ve always had great players, but we also have to recognize the value of having someone leading the way like he is."

Reflecting on his own performance, Munar has been working diligently to improve his game on grass, a surface where he has historically struggled, winning only four tour-level matches. He has made several adjustments, including changing his racket strings to better suit the grass and adopting a more aggressive playing style. "I changed the strings, which is important here. I play with natural gut, which I don’t use the rest of the year, so I need a few days to adjust, but it helps a lot," he explained. Munar also emphasized the importance of movement and tactical shifts in his preparation for this unique surface.

Despite acknowledging the challenges of facing Alcaraz, Munar remains optimistic. "Honestly, my chances are low. That’s the reality. But if I have to face Carlos, doing it on a surface where he hasn’t had much preparation is the best-case scenario for me. It’s going to be a big challenge, but if I can play my best and he’s not at his peak, I might have a chance. That’s why we compete. That’s why we’re here."

The outcome of this match will not only be a litmus test for Munar's growth on grass but also an opportunity to gauge his progress against one of the best players in the world. Munar concluded, "Beyond the result, it’s also a good benchmark, to see where my game is on grass right now. Carlos is a former Wimbledon champion, so it’s a great opportunity to test myself and understand where I can improve. I see it as a challenge, and after tomorrow, we’ll see how it went and what’s next."