Carlos Alcaraz set to meet Italy's Lorenzo Musetti in the Monte-Carlo final
Carlos Alcaraz has reached the final of the Monte-Carlo Masters for the first time, achieving a dominant 7-6, 6-4 victory over fellow Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina on Saturday. In Sunday’s title match, he will face Italy's Lorenzo Musetti,...
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Carlos Alcaraz has reached the final of the Monte-Carlo Masters for the first time, achieving a dominant 7-6, 6-4 victory over fellow Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina on Saturday.
In Sunday’s title match, he will face Italy's Lorenzo Musetti, who staged a comeback to defeat Australian eighth seed Alex de Minaur 1-6, 6-4, 7-6 in the other semifinal.
"I knew how well Davidovich Fokina had played in Monte Carlo, so I had to be ready to fight," said Alcaraz.
As a four-time Grand Slam champion, Alcaraz is aiming for his first Masters title since his victory at Indian Wells last year.
"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," said Alcaraz, referencing his loss to Novak Djokovic in the men's singles final at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics in August.
His only title this season remains the ATP 500 event in Rotterdam from February, but he seems to be relishing his return to clay.
Alcaraz quickly emerged as the tournament favorite following the early exits of top seed Alexander Zverev and third seed Djokovic, while world number one Jannik Sinner is currently serving a doping ban.
The 21-year-old acknowledged feeling some added pressure due to Sinner's absence.
"The first question, you know, since Jannik was unable to play tournaments, a lot of people were asking me and talking about, how important moment that I have ahead is to reach the number one again or to win tournaments or whatever," Alcaraz said.
This victory continues a positive shift in his fortunes at a tournament where he had previously lost his only match in 2022.
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
In Sunday’s title match, he will face Italy's Lorenzo Musetti, who staged a comeback to defeat Australian eighth seed Alex de Minaur 1-6, 6-4, 7-6 in the other semifinal.
"I knew how well Davidovich Fokina had played in Monte Carlo, so I had to be ready to fight," said Alcaraz.
As a four-time Grand Slam champion, Alcaraz is aiming for his first Masters title since his victory at Indian Wells last year.
"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," said Alcaraz, referencing his loss to Novak Djokovic in the men's singles final at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics in August.
His only title this season remains the ATP 500 event in Rotterdam from February, but he seems to be relishing his return to clay.
Alcaraz quickly emerged as the tournament favorite following the early exits of top seed Alexander Zverev and third seed Djokovic, while world number one Jannik Sinner is currently serving a doping ban.
The 21-year-old acknowledged feeling some added pressure due to Sinner's absence.
"The first question, you know, since Jannik was unable to play tournaments, a lot of people were asking me and talking about, how important moment that I have ahead is to reach the number one again or to win tournaments or whatever," Alcaraz said.
This victory continues a positive shift in his fortunes at a tournament where he had previously lost his only match in 2022.
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
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