BARCELONA: World number two 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 defence 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 what I can say.`-AFP