Spain’s tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz claimed his maiden Monte-Carlo Masters crown on Sunday, defeating Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti in a hard-fought final that ended 6-3, 6-1, 6-0. The win marks the 18th title of Alcaraz’s meteoric career, and his first ever triumph on the iconic clay courts of the Principality.
Held at the picturesque Monte-Carlo Country Club, the tournament is one of the most prestigious ATP Masters 1000 events on the clay-court calendar. For Alcaraz, currently ranked world number two, this victory not only adds another milestone to his already glittering résumé but also sends a clear warning to his rivals ahead of the French Open.
The match itself was a rollercoaster. Musetti took the first set comfortably, showcasing his signature mix of power and finesse. But the tide turned dramatically in the second set, as Alcaraz found his rhythm and began dictating play, taking the set 6-1. The Italian’s momentum was further cut short in the decider as he appeared to struggle physically, battling through the final set with a visible injury.
Despite the setback, Musetti refused to retire, drawing admiration from the crowd for his grit and sportsmanship. But Alcaraz capitalised, dominating the final set 6-0 to seal the title in just over two hours.
The 20-year-old Spaniard, who became the youngest world number one in ATP history in 2022, continues to prove he’s more than just a rising star—he’s a genuine force on all surfaces. His Monte-Carlo triumph adds valuable clay-court momentum ahead of Roland Garros, where he is tipped to be one of the favourites.
With this latest win, Alcaraz joins an elite group of players to have lifted the trophy in Monte Carlo, and in doing so, firmly places himself in the conversation to dominate the clay-court season.
