“It was a poor level from me. My level didn’t increase,” those were Carlos Alcaraz’s candid words just weeks ago after his shocking 1st-round defeat to David Goffin at the Miami Open. The loss not only stunned fans but also cost him a golden chance to rise to 2nd seed in the PIF ATP Rankings, keeping him 3rd behind Alexander Zverev. However, things can change quickly in tennis! In Monte Carlo, the 21-year-old Spaniard bounced back in style, effortlessly defeating compatriot Alejandro Davidovich Fokina to book his 2nd final of the season. With confidence restored, Alcaraz didn’t hold back, delivering an honest verdict to his critics. But what did he say this time? However, what did he say this time though?
Carlos Alcaraz faced a gritty battle against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the Monte Carlo SF. Breaking through his fellow Spaniard’s rock-solid defense proved to be no easy feat, the Spaniard converted just three of 19 break-point opportunities and squandered 3 set points in a tense opening set that stretched over an hour. Davidovich Fokina was relentless from the baseline, absorbing pressure and extending rallies with incredible resilience.
But Alcaraz, the 4-time GS winner, known for his firepower, turned to something else: patience. In the 2nd set, he elevated his serve, maintained composure, and didn’t face a single break point. With unwavering focus, he closed the match with a powerful forehand strike that clipped the line. And right after clinching his first-ever Monte Carlo final, the Spaniard reflected on the match, crediting patience as the key ingredient in his journey: proof that steady growth often beats rushing greatness.
Carlos Alcaraz after beating Davidovich Fokina to reach 1st Monte Carlo final
“I know everyone always expects so much from you.. but to be through to your first Masters final in 13 months.. you had to be so patient.”
Carlos: “Yeah (smiling). It’s been a long time. But I just… pic.twitter.com/Rl9ZDSITNK
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) April 12, 2025
Right after the match, during his in-court interview, when asked about the ‘high expectations’ placed on him and the patience it took to reach his first Master’s final in 13 months, Carlos Alcaraz responded with honesty and maturity: “Yeah (smiling). It’s been a long time.”
Alcaraz added, “But I just had to be patient. I had to believe that this moment would come again. Just working hard. Probably people are not patient.. they want me to make a final in every tournament. So I’m really happy to give them the chance to watch one of my finals again. I’m happy with my team and with everything we’ve done in this period since the last final. I’m gonna try to enjoy this moment.”
Carlos Alcaraz hadn’t reached a Masters 1000 final since his impressive victory at Indian Wells in March last year, where the Spaniard defeated Daniil Medvedev in straight sets, 7-6, 6-1. Despite the high of that triumph and his historic Wimbledon win over Novak Djokovic later in the year, the Spaniard endured a dry spell at the Masters level. He competed in seven such tournaments until now without making it to the final, a surprising stat for someone of his caliber and form. That 13-month gap only added to the weight of expectations on his shoulders.
Following his SF win over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in Monte Carlo, the 4-time GS winner opened up about the key to his resurgence, patience. But patience wasn’t the only factor! The Spanish prodigy also highlighted the role of his improved physical conditioning, which helped him stay sharp and consistent throughout the grueling rallies.
“I’m feeling great physically,” Carlos Alcaraz shared his thoughts after reaching the clay-court final
The Spaniard opened his Monte Carlo SF with a thunderous forehand winner down the line. It set the tone for a battle of intensity on red clay. But that very forehand betrayed him at a crucial juncture in the opening set. Back-to-back unforced errors cost him a 5-3 lead in the first set. Despite totaling 11 forehand errors in the set alone and missing three set points, the 21-year-old showed grit. He clawed his way back in a tense tie-break before unleashing a roar that echoed his return to dominance.
Fellow Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina fought with heart, especially during a marathon 13-minute hold early in the 2nd set. But Alcaraz had shifted into another gear, mentally composed and physically relentless. Not facing a single breakpoint in the set, he sealed the match with ease. And right after the win, Alcaraz credited his physical endurance for keeping him sharp and explosive when it mattered most.
“I think I played really good tennis from the beginning until the last point. I tried to take the chances he gave me in the match. He saved a lot of break points and match points, but I’m really happy to [have] thought about myself. The most important thing is that I’m feeling great physically,” Alcaraz said.
Next up for the Spaniard is 23-year-old Italian, Lorenzo Musetti, who has just beaten Alex de Minaur in a tightly contested semifinal clash. Carlos holds a 3-1 advantage in their head-to-head matchups. Can the Spaniard leverage this record to secure his first Monte Carlo Open title? What do you think?
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