Carlos Alcaraz battles through to Monte Carlo final against tough opponent

On April 12, 2025, in Monaco, Carlos Alcaraz secured his spot in the final of the Monte Carlo Masters by defeating Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in a closely contested match. Alcaraz, currently ranked third in the world, showcased his resilience by converting six match points throughout the encounter. The match was tense, particularly in the first set which extended beyond an hour as Alcaraz struggled to break his compatriot's serve. Despite having only succeeded in three breaks out of 19 attempts, he maintained composure and ultimately triumphed with a score of 7-6(2), 6-4. The match marked a significant milestone for the 21-year-old, as it was his first Masters final appearance in 13 months. Alcaraz expressed relief and excitement after the victory, stating that patience was key as he faced criticism for not reaching finals in every tournament. He acknowledged the strength of Davidovich Fokina’s defensive game but was pleased with his own performance, particularly noting his improved serving in the second set. Alcaraz is set to compete against either Lorenzo Musetti or Alex de Minaur in the final, which was rescheduled to an earlier time due to anticipated rain. This final is crucial for Alcaraz as he seeks his first title in Monte Carlo, a venue where he has yet to claim victory. Previously, he had notable successes including winning the French Open and earning a silver medal at the Paris Olympics. The atmosphere in Monaco was electric as fans eagerly anticipated the final match in the hopes of witnessing Alcaraz's journey towards another prestigious trophy. With his victory, Alcaraz continues to establish himself as one of the leading players in clay-court tennis. Winning this title could act as a catalyst for further success in the upcoming tournaments, solidifying his status on the ATP Tour.