Carlos Alcaraz secured a spot in the Monte-Carlo Masters semi-finals after a hard-fought victory against Arthur Fils, winning 4-6, 7-5, 6-3.
The four-time Grand Slam champion faced a strong challenge from Fils, currently ranked No. 15 in the world. However, Alcaraz capitalized on his opponent`s mistakes at crucial moments to set up a semi-final clash with fellow Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
Fils began the match aggressively against the world No. 3, quickly taking a 3-0 lead with two breaks of serve in the first set.
Alcaraz managed to recover one break and had opportunities to level the score in the fourth game, but Fils held on.
Eventually, Alcaraz evened the score at 4-4, only to have Fils break back and move ahead 5-4 in a back-and-forth first set, which Fils ultimately won after saving two more break points.
In the second set, Fils missed seven break point opportunities. Alcaraz took advantage, breaking Fils` serve in the 12th game with an excellent lob to win the set.
Alcaraz`s level of play remained inconsistent, and he dropped his serve in the third game of the deciding set. However, his greater experience proved decisive as the match progressed.
The 21-year-old Alcaraz broke back and then secured another break in the eighth game, frustrating Fils, who reacted by smashing his racket on the court.
Fils was unable to regain composure in the final game, allowing Alcaraz to comfortably close out the match and advance to the semi-finals.
Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters Schedule
Main draw: Sunday April 6 – Sunday April 13
Doubles final: Sunday April 13 (12pm)
Singles final: Sunday April 13 (3pm)
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