Arthur Fils shares what he needs to learn from ‘champion’ Carlos Alcaraz after losing to the Spaniard in Monte Carlo Rolex Maseters
Arthur Fils was five points away from winning the match and also had a 3-1 lead in the third set against Carlos Alcaraz.
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Carlos Alcaraz, Arthur Fils (Image via Carlos Alcaraz's X handle, Jose Morgado)
Arthur Fils came agonizingly close to reaching his first Monte Carlo semifinal, but eventually, Carlos Alcaraz prevailed to reach the last four. The Frenchman showed plenty of promise throughout the tournament, and that potential was evident in the quarterfinal against Alcaraz.
However, Fils regretted the missed opportunities he had to secure his biggest win. Despite the loss, the youngster took many positives and believes he needs to learn the champion mentality from his more experienced opponent.
I had my chances, but I couldn’t capitalize on them. Things turned around too quickly at the end of the second set. Between 5-5 and 7-5, only a couple of minutes passed. I didn’t handle that situation well. He did and showed why he is the champion he is. I need to learn from him.
Arthur Fils said in his post-match press conference (H/T: Punto de Break)
Alcaraz is hoping to win his third Masters 1000 title on clay and his first in Monte Carlo. His previous two clay-court Masters titles came at the Madrid Open in 2022 and 2023. If the Spaniard wins in Monte Carlo, it will be his sixth Masters 1000 title overall. It would also mark the fourth consecutive season in which Alcaraz has won at least one Masters 1000 title.
Carlos Alcaraz edges Arthur Fils in Monte Carlo
World No.3 Carlos Alcaraz showed great fight on Friday as he battled past Arthur Fils at the Monte Carlo Masters. Fils played with power and pushed Alcaraz to the limit. But the Spaniard stayed strong and kept his title hopes alive.
The match was full of high-level tennis. Alcaraz saved three break points at 5-5, 0/40 in the second set. He also came back from 1-3 down in the final set to win 4-6, 7-5, 6-3. It was a tough but impressive win.
This will be Alcaraz’s 10th semi-final at a Masters 1000 event. He has already won five titles at this level in Madrid, Indian Wells, and Miami. If he wins in Monte Carlo, he will move up to World No. 2. If not, he will stay at No. 3.
Since last May, Alcaraz has a 15-1 record on clay. He won Roland Garros in 2023 and took silver at the Paris Olympics, losing to Novak Djokovic in the final.
How Carlos Alcaraz prevailed against Arthur Fils
In a tense match against Arthur Fils, Carlos Alcaraz showed great fight. He saved three break points at 5-5 in the second set. On set point in the next game, he hit a brilliant lob after chasing down a tough shot. He celebrated with his arm raised as the crowd cheered.
The third set was full of exciting winners from both players. But Alcaraz stayed more consistent and broke Fils’ rhythm. That helped him take control and win the match.
Fils was hoping to make his first Masters 1000 semi-final. He had already reached the quarter-finals in Indian Wells and Miami. He played aggressively but made some key errors on serve in the final set.
Despite the loss, Fils had a strong run. His performance in Monte Carlo moves him up two spots to No. 13 in the ATP Live Rankings.
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