Csrlos Alcaraz Moves Into First Monte-Carlo Final After Beating Alejandro Fokina

 

Carlos Alcaraz celebrates winning the semi-final against Alejandro Fokina

Carlos Alcaraz advanced into his first final appearance in the Monte-Carlo Masters by defeating Alejandro Fokina in straight sets, 7-6 (2), 6-4 in the semifinal.

The former had been absent from the Masters 1000 final for 13 months. However, since he won the Roland Garros final last year, he is on course for his third consecutive ATP Masters 1000 final. 

Alejandro was a hardline opponent, causing the third-seated player to fight through an opening set scare. He rallied in the set at 5-2 to force a tiebreak. He broke twice in the set, though he lost. He had waned by the second set, but he was on a rally before Alcaraz reestablished his control. 

Technically, Alcaraz's experience gave him the advantage, as he effectively engaged his drop shots, having utilized his forehand groundstrokes to keep his opponent at the baseline. It was a battle of shots, and Alejandro brought his Spanish side into the match with threatening groundstrokes, even though his responses to drop shots caused him unforced errors. 

"It's been a long time," said Alcaraz. "Sometimes the 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."

Alcaraz last participated in the competition in 2022 and missed the subsequent two editions due to injury. He had never passed the opening rounds of the tournament until this edition, when he defeated Francisco Cerundolo.