Alcaraz Secures Spot in Monte Carlo Masters Final

Carlos Alcaraz defeats Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 to reach the Monte Carlo Masters final, seeking his first Masters title since Indian Wells.

Carlos Alcaraz secured his spot in the Monte Carlo Masters final for the first time with a convincing 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 win over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina on Saturday. Alcaraz, a four-time Grand Slam champion, is targeting his first Masters title since Indian Wells last year and his first on clay since the 2024 French Open. “I knew how well Davidovich Fokina had played in Monte Carlo, so I had to be ready to fight,” Alcaraz said, highlighting his preparation for the match.

Alcaraz expressed his excitement about reaching the final, saying, “It's been a long time since I've had the chance to win a title on clay, and I can't wait to try my luck again here.” He acknowledged the challenges of adjusting to clay court conditions at the start of the season. “At the beginning of the week, the first tournament on clay, you have to get used to the conditions. The ball comes differently. You know, the play on clay is different,” Alcaraz explained, emphasizing the need to adapt to the surface.

Alcaraz will face Lorenzo Musetti in Sunday's final after the Italian fought back to beat Alex de Minaur 1-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) in the second semi-final. This sets up an intriguing matchup between Alcaraz's powerful game and Musetti's tactical approach, with the Spaniard looking to claim his first Monte Carlo Masters title.

Carlos Alcaraz expressed satisfaction with his performance, saying, “I'm just really happy to get the level that I wanted at the beginning of the week.” This statement reflects his growing confidence as he adjusts to the clay court season. Alcaraz's only title this year remains the ATP 500 event in Rotterdam in February, but he appears to be enjoying his return to clay and has become the tournament favorite after top players like Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic exited early.

Alcaraz acknowledged the added pressure of being asked about Jannik Sinner's absence and the potential to reclaim the world No. 1 ranking. “The first question, you know, since Jannik was unable to play tournaments, a lot of people were asking me and talking about how important the moment that I have ahead is to reach the number one (ranking) again or to win tournaments or whatever,” he said. Despite the scrutiny, Alcaraz seems focused on his game and is looking to capitalize on the opportunity to win the Monte Carlo Masters title.

Carlos Alcaraz admitted that he had been overthinking his game, saying, “I was thinking so much about it instead of playing my good tennis and enjoy the time that I have stepping on the court and playing matches.” However, he managed to shake off the distraction and secure a 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 win over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, booking his spot in the Monte Carlo Masters final.

The victory marked a continuation of Alcaraz's improving fortunes at the Monte Carlo Masters, where he had lost his only other match in 2022. Alcaraz started the match strongly, breaking early and maintaining his lead. Although Davidovich Fokina fought hard, breaking back to 5-5 and taking the set to a tie-break, Alcaraz ultimately prevailed 7/2 in the tie-break. He broke early in the second set and held on despite Davidovich Fokina's determined effort, saving 13 break points and four match points before closing out the win.