Carlos Alcaraz expressed pride in overcoming a tough stretch both on and off the court as he battled back to defeat Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti and claim the Monte Carlo Masters title.

The four-time Grand Slam winner rallied from a set down to win 3-6, 6-1, 6-0 in a match that shifted dramatically after Musetti began struggling with a leg injury midway through the second set.

The win marks Alcaraz’s sixth ATP Masters 1000 title—and his first since Indian Wells in 2023—bringing his career tally to 18 titles. It also serves as a timely confidence boost ahead of his French Open title defense in May, following a mixed performance during the hard-court season, which included a semi-final exit in Indian Wells and a surprise early loss in Miami.

“It’s been a difficult month on and off the court,” said the 21-year-old Spaniard. “I’m proud of how I handled everything. Seeing the hard work pay off here is incredibly rewarding.”

Musetti, 23, started strong, breaking Alcaraz’s rhythm and claiming the opening set with finesse, including an astonishing drop shot from behind the baseline. However, Alcaraz found his rhythm in the second set, reducing errors and increasing his intensity. A crucial hold in an eight-minute game helped him level the match before Musetti’s injury severely limited his movement in the decider.

Alcaraz quickly closed out the third set, raising his arms in victory before offering consolation to Musetti. With the win, he will leapfrog Alexander Zverev to become the new world number two in the ATP rankings.

In the men’s doubles final, British duo Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool narrowly lost to Romain Arneodo and France’s Manuel Guinard, 1-6, 7-6 (10-8), 10-8.

Source: BBC 

BDST: 1103 HRS, APR 14, 2025
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