Carlos Alcaraz secured his first-ever victory at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters with a 3-6, 6-0, 6-1 win against Francisco Cerundolo. Despite a difficult start, the 21-year-old Spanish tennis star made a strong comeback, showcasing his skill and strategy.
Carlos Alcaraz’s Tactical Shift Led to Victory
- In the first set, Alcaraz struggled with errors and allowed Cerundolo to dominate.
- He adjusted his playing style in the second set, moving closer while returning serves.
- This change helped him land 44% more first-serve returns, giving him control of the match.
- He also played more aggressively, using drop shots, net approaches, and powerful forehands.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
- Cerundolo’s Early Advantage: Used cross-court backhand rallies to win points in the first set.
- Alcaraz’s Comeback: Saved two break points in the second set’s opening game.
- Decisive Third Set: Alcaraz dominated with confident play, finishing the match in one hour and 37 minutes.
Alcaraz’s Rising ATP Masters 1000 Record
- This victory marks his 68th ATP Masters 1000 win, surpassing Andy Roddick’s 67 wins before turning 22.
- He now ranks third in ATP Masters 1000 wins before age 22, behind:
- Rafael Nadal (110 wins)
- Novak Djokovic (75 wins)
Alcaraz’s Next Challenge: Facing Daniel Altmaier
- In the third round, Alcaraz will play Daniel Altmaier, who defeated Richard Gasquet in three sets (7-5, 5-7, 6-2).
- Gasquet’s Last Monte-Carlo Match: The 38-year-old French player announced his retirement after Roland Garros 2025.
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