Monte-Carlo Masters: Alcaraz and Fils Set for Quarter-Final Clash

Carlos Alcaraz cruises into the Monte-Carlo Masters quarter-finals with a dominant win over Daniel Altmaier, setting up a showdown with Arthur Fils.

Carlos Alcaraz cruised into the Monte-Carlo Masters quarter-finals for the first time on Thursday, defeating Daniel Altmaier in straight sets. The four-time Grand Slam champion dominated the 84th-ranked German player, winning 6-3, 6-1 and setting up a last-eight clash with rising French star Arthur Fils on Friday.

Alcaraz initially struggled to find his rhythm, with Altmaier breaking him back to level at 3-3 in the first set. However, the second seed quickly regained control, winning three straight games to take the first set. He then dominated the second set, winning it in just over half an hour.

The 21-year-old Carlos Alcaraz, reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion, is the favorite to lift the title this weekend. His chances were boosted by the early exits of top seed Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic. Alcaraz has a strong record, but he was beaten in his first match on his only previous appearance at the tournament in 2022.

Arthur Fils eased into his third successive Masters quarter-final this season with a convincing 6-2, 6-3 win over 2023 champion Andrey Rublev. The 20-year-old Fils is aiming to reach the semis of a Masters event for the first time, having lost in the last eight at both Indian Wells and the Miami Open this year. Fils will now face Alcaraz in the quarter-finals, setting up a potentially thrilling encounter.