Alcaraz storms back to win first Monte Carlo Masters title

MONTE CARLO: Carlos Alcaraz overcame a sluggish start to defeat Lorenzo Musetti 3-6, 6-1, 6-0 on Sunday and secure his first Monte Carlo Masters title — his most significant triumph since winning Wimbledon in 2024.

The 21-year-old Spaniard, who had endured a dip in form during the North American hard-court swing in March, rediscovered his dominance on clay. After early exits in Miami and a semi-final defeat at Indian Wells, Alcaraz roared back to claim his sixth ATP Masters 1000 title and the 10th major trophy of his career, which includes four Grand Slams.

“I am really happy to win Monte Carlo for the first time. It has been a really difficult week with a lot of difficult situations,” said Alcaraz. “I am proud with how I dealt with everything. It has been a difficult month for me, so coming here and seeing the hard work pay off makes me happy.”

Under grey skies on Court Rainier III, Alcaraz looked out of rhythm in the first set, struggling with 11 unforced errors from his forehand as Musetti, full of variety and precision, took the opener. But the momentum shifted dramatically in the second set.

Alcaraz elevated his game with clean groundstrokes and relentless aggression, breaking twice to reel off five straight games and level the match. Musetti, worn down from earlier marathon matches, couldn’t keep pace with the Spaniard’s intensity and crumbled in the decider.

With the win, Alcaraz solidified his status as one of the premier forces on clay heading into the European spring season.