Fri Apr 11 11:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Alcaraz to Face Davidovich in Monte-Carlo Semifinal After Thrilling Comeback
**Monte-Carlo, Monaco** – Carlos Alcaraz will face Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in an all-Spanish semifinal clash at the Monte-Carlo Masters after a hard-fought victory over French rising star Arthur Fils. The match marks the eleventh time at least two Spanish players have reached the semifinals of the prestigious tournament, a feat only matched in 1975 and 2010.
Alcaraz, the world number three, secured his place in the final four with a dramatic three-set comeback (4-6, 7-5, 6-3) against Fils, a match that lasted 2 hours and 23 minutes. This marks Alcaraz’s tenth Masters 1000 semifinal, placing him among the elite, surpassed only by Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Lleyton Hewitt in reaching this milestone before the age of 22. His 70 Masters 1000 wins before turning 22 are also impressive, second only to Nadal and Djokovic at this age.
The match was a rollercoaster, with Fils taking an early 3-0 lead after Alcaraz lost his first two service games. However, Alcaraz showed his resilience, mounting a comeback fueled by his determination and inspired coaching from Samuel López. Despite Fils breaking Alcaraz’s serve multiple times, including at the start of the third set, Alcaraz’s experience and superior play on clay ultimately prevailed. He won 14 of his last 15 matches on clay.
Alcaraz credited his mental and physical strength for the win, highlighting his ability to seize opportunities when they arose. The two Spaniards will now face each other in a highly anticipated semifinal, with Davidovich Fokina having previously defeated Alexei Popyrin to secure his spot. Their previous encounter saw Alcaraz victorious at the Barcelona Open earlier this year.
First Piper 