Carlos Alcaraz Makes History at Monte-Carlo Masters with Stunning Comeback and Final Berth
In a thrilling display of resilience and skill, Carlos Alcaraz secured his first-ever victory at the Monte-Carlo Masters by overcoming Francisco Cerundolo in a dramatic comeback. The match, which ended 3-6, 6-0, 6-1, marked a pivotal moment for Alcaraz as he advanced to the last 16 of the tournament for the first time. This win was just the beginning of an impressive run that would see him reach his first Monte-Carlo Masters final.
A Turning Point: Overcoming Cerundolo
Alcaraz's journey in Monte Carlo began with a sluggish start against Cerundolo. The Argentine took the first set 6-3, capitalizing on Alcaraz's early mistakes. However, the Spaniard quickly regrouped, adopting a more aggressive strategy that included effective drop shots and a bold return position. This tactical shift allowed him to dominate the next two sets, winning 12 of the last 13 games in a stunning turnaround.
"I didn't start well," Alcaraz reflected. "I made a lot of mistakes and let him play inside the court, dominating the points. But I knew I had to do something else—play more aggressively, use drop shots, go to the net, and be more aggressive. The most important change was the return; I tried to return closer to the line and push him," he explained.
A Clay Court Specialist
This victory highlighted Alcaraz's strong form on clay, a surface he has grown to love. With an impressive 82% win rate on clay, Alcaraz has established himself as one of the most formidable players on this surface. His recent success is part of a broader trend; he has won 13 of his last 14 matches on clay, showcasing his mastery of the slow courts.
"I always said until now that I would put clay second; I prefer to play on hard courts," Alcaraz noted in a recent interview. "Right now, I don’t know, I think I would put it first. I missed the clay court season. Since the Olympics, I haven’t played on clay, and I think I love this part of the year," he added, emphasizing his affection for the surface.
Semifinal Triumph Over Davidovich Fokina
Alcaraz's momentum continued as he faced fellow Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the semifinals. In a closely contested match, Alcaraz emerged victorious with a score of 7-6(2), 6-4. Despite struggling to capitalize on break points, converting only three out of 19 opportunities, Alcaraz's persistence paid off. He needed six match points to secure the win, showcasing his resilience against a determined opponent.
"It’s been a long time. I just had to be patient and believe that this moment was going to come again," Alcaraz said after reaching his first ATP Masters 1000 final in 13 months. "Sometimes people are not patient; they want me to make the final in every tournament. I’m really happy to give them the chance to watch one of my finals again," he added, reflecting on his journey back to the top.
Final Showdown
Alcaraz is now set to face either Lorenzo Musetti or Alex de Minaur in the final on Sunday, a match rescheduled earlier due to weather forecasts. A victory would not only mark his first Monte-Carlo Masters title but also propel him back to the world No. 2 spot in the ATP rankings, surpassing Alexander Zverev.
As Alcaraz prepares for the final, his confidence on clay is evident. With his aggressive style and ability to adapt under pressure, he is poised to make history in Monaco. The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the Monte-Carlo Masters, with Alcaraz at the forefront of the action.