Carlos Alcaraz swept into his first ever Monte Carlo Masters final after overwhelming compatriot Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 7-6(7/2), 6-4 on Saturday. The world no.3 will take on Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti in Sunday’s finale, after the 13th seed squeezed past Alex de Minaur 1-6, 6-4, 7-6(7/4).
The Spaniard, 21, is seeking his first ATP Masters 1000 title since Indian Wells 2023 — and first clay title since 2024 French Open — as a four-time Grand Slam champion.
“I knew how good Davidovich Fokina is playing here, so I needed to be ready to battle,” Alcaraz said. “I’m just really glad to find my level again.”
Alcaraz seized on early exits from Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic to assume favouritism in the tournament, particularly with titleholder and world No.1 Jannik Sinner suspended.
Even as Davidovich Fokina battled to stay alive — saving 13 break points and four match points — Alcaraz’s unceasing weight of pressure paid off. He broke early in each of the sets, taking the first in a tie-break, and then stayed on top in the second to seal the match.
This was a crucial moment for Alcaraz at Monte Carlo, having lost his only previous match in 2022. He’ll now strive to claim his second title of 2023 after winning in Rotterdam.
