Carlos Alcaraz showcased his resilience on clay to secure a hard-fought 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 victory over Frenchman Arthur Fils, booking his spot in the semi-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters.
The 21-year-old French Open champion overcame an early setback to display his trademark grit and creativity, keeping his ambitions for the title alive.
In a thrilling clash with the 20-year-old Fils, Alcaraz saved three crucial break points in the second set before finding his rhythm. “I think his level is high right now, and he puts a lot of pressure on his opponents,” said Alcaraz.
“In some moments, he just made a few mistakes, and I tried to make the most of those points.” Reflecting on the match and his return to clay, he added, “I have missed clay. It is good to play the drop shot… it gives me more confidence.”
The Spaniard will face compatriot Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the semi-finals after Fokina breezed past Alexei Popyrin in straight sets. Alcaraz remains focused as he chases his first Masters title since triumphing at Indian Wells last year.
Meanwhile, Lorenzo Musetti made headlines by defeating defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 to reach his first ATP Masters 1000 semi-final. Musetti will meet Australian Alex de Minaur, who dominated Grigor Dimitrov 6-0, 6-0, in a statement victory.
