Under the perfect tennis conditions of the beautiful Côte d’Azur, world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz achieved a major milestone on Thursday afternoon.
The 20-year-old Spanish star advanced to his first-ever quarter-final at the prestigious Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters with a dominant 6-3, 6-1 victory over world No. 84 Daniel Altmaier.
The Scenic and High-Energy Setting of Court Rainier III
The atmosphere at the tournament was nothing short of magical.
The packed Court Rainier III, with the Mediterranean Sea glistening in the backdrop, set the stage for an electrifying match.
The waves gently lapped at the shore as vibrant music echoed during the breaks, and the sun-drenched red clay court added to the drama, ready to host intense tennis battles.
A Challenging Start for Alcaraz
Though the scoreline suggested a comfortable win for Alcaraz, the match was far from easy.
The first set was a test of patience and precision, with Alcaraz struggling at the beginning due to unforced errors.
However, the young Spaniard’s aggressive strategy and powerful gameplay eventually wore down Altmaier, especially as the match wore on.
Alcaraz Reflects on a “Real Battle”
In his post-match interview, Alcaraz acknowledged that the match, particularly the first set, had been a challenge.
He described it as “a real battle” due to the long rallies and close games that made it tough to find a rhythm.
He praised Altmaier’s performance, noting that his German opponent “played great tennis,” which made the victory all the more satisfying.
Looking Ahead to His Next Match
Next up for Alcaraz is world No. 15 Arthur Fils, who has had a remarkable run in Masters 1000 events.
Fils is the only player to have reached at least the quarter-finals in every Masters 1000 tournament this year, a record that has caught Alcaraz’s attention.
When asked about his expectations for the match, Alcaraz remained upbeat and eager, saying, “I’m not gonna be scared… I’m excited about facing him for the first time and seeing how it goes.”
The upcoming showdown promises to be an exciting encounter, with both players looking to make their mark in one of the sport’s most storied tournaments.
Exclusive Coverage from Amisha Savani at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters
Amisha Savani is reporting exclusively for The South African from the Principality of Monaco, bringing live updates from one of tennis’s most glamorous events.