Carlos Alcaraz reaches first Monte Carlo Masters final

Awaiting his final opponent

Alcaraz will face either Alex de Minaur or Lorenzo Musetti in Sunday’s championship match on the red clay.

Aiming for clay success

The four-time Grand Slam champion is targeting his first Masters title since Indian Wells 2023, and his first on clay since the 2024 French Open.

"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.

Adjusting to clay court conditions

Alcaraz admitted that transitioning to clay requires adaptation: “At the beginning of the week, the first tournament on clay, you have to get used to the conditions. The ball comes different… the play on clay is different.”

Despite the adjustment period, he expressed satisfaction with his performance.

Rising pressure in Sinner’s absence

Alcaraz quickly became the tournament favorite after early exits from Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic, and with world No. 1 Jannik Sinner serving a doping ban.

"A lot of people were talking about how important this moment is for me to reach No. 1 again... I was thinking too much about it instead of enjoying the tennis," Alcaraz admitted.

Match highlights

Alcaraz had previously defeated Davidovich Fokina in Barcelona and once again took control early, breaking serve in the opening set. Though Davidovich Fokina broke back to force a tie-break, Alcaraz dominated it 7-2.

In the second set, Alcaraz broke early again and held firm, despite a spirited effort from Davidovich Fokina, who saved 13 break points and four match points.

In pursuit of a title

Alcaraz’s only title this season came in Rotterdam in February, but he now has another chance to lift a trophy—and this time, on his favored clay surface.