BARCELONA, Spain (AFP) — World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz took aim at his critics on Monday after winning the Monte Carlo Masters at the weekend.

The 21-year-old is gearing up for his French Open title defense next month but has struggled for consistency at times this year, including suffering an early exit at the Miami Open in March.

The four-time Grand Slam winner continues his clay court preparation this week at the Barcelona Open, where he is aiming for a third triumph.

“It is true that perhaps there have been results that have not been enough for some people, even for myself,” Alcaraz told reporters in the Catalan capital.

“I’ve reached a point where no defeat is just nothing but (instead) it is a learning process, and we have to move forward.”

“It is easy and free to talk, when someone has an expectation that is not met. It is very easy to talk, that is all I can say.”

Alcaraz, who had to come from a set down to beat Lorenzo Musetti in the Monte Carlo final, admits he is not at his best and is looking to improve his form.

“I can say that in Monte Carlo I gained a lot of confidence,” Alcaraz told reporters ahead of his Round of 32 match against the American Ethan Quinn on Tuesday.

“I honestly didn’t expect to win that title, instead just to pick up rhythm, play matches, add more hours on the clay.”

“I don’t think that I am at my best level, I think I’ve played at a better level this year (at other points),” he continued.

“I have played better matches than those in Monte Carlo. It is one thing to win, another to really feel you played well.”

“The truth is I think I’m having a good year. Maybe the last month has been a bit worse but I think I will have a good year.”

Alcaraz’s idol, Rafael Nadal, is the player who has the most Barcelona Open titles with 12.

The Spanish superstar retired from tennis at the Davis Cup last November but Alcaraz said the sport still had a bright future.

“I think tennis is in a very good moment right now, in the sense that there are many young players capable of winning big titles and fighting for great things,” he added.

“There’s a very wide range of players who can do great things.”