World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz secured his first-ever spot in the final of the Monte Carlo Masters with a commanding 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 victory over fellow Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina on Saturday.
Alcaraz will face either Alex de Minaur or Lorenzo Musetti in Sunday’s final on the red clay.
“I knew how well Davidovich Fokina had been playing here, so I had to be prepared for a tough battle,” said Alcaraz after the match.
The four-time Grand Slam champion is now targeting his first Masters 1000 title since his victory in Indian Wells last year, as well as his first clay-court Masters trophy since the 2024 French Open.
“It’s been a while since I had the chance to win a title on clay, and I’m excited to have another shot here,” Alcaraz added. “It’s been a good run, and I’m looking forward to the final.”
Alcaraz’s only title this season remains the ATP 500 event in Rotterdam in February, but his performance on clay in Monte Carlo signals his strong return to the surface.
The win also marks an impressive turnaround for Alcaraz at an event where he was knocked out in his only previous appearance in 2022.
Alcaraz, who defeated Davidovich Fokina in their only prior meeting on clay in Barcelona two years ago, started strong on Saturday, breaking early in both sets. Despite the World No. 42 fighting back to level the first set at 5-5, Alcaraz dominated the tie-break, sealing it 7-2.
In the second set, Alcaraz broke again early, and despite Davidovich Fokina’s dogged resistance — saving 13 break points and four match points — there was no way back for the 24-year-old.
The victory boosts Alcaraz’s momentum as he aims for his first Masters title of 2024 and his maiden Monte Carlo crown.
AFP
