1 week Ago By Yasmin Syed
Carlos Alcaraz will face countryman Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the semi-final of the Monte-Carlo Masters on Saturday. The Spaniards have a close bond, and Davidovich Fokina has even invited the world No. 3 to his wedding later this year.
But Alcaraz is pulling no punches as he seeks his first final in Monte-Carlo, and, despite being close with the world No. 42, he stated that “there are no friends” once he steps on the court. Alcaraz found himself in an unusual situation coming into this year’s Monte-Carlo Masters.
Despite being a former world No. 1 and multi-Grand Slam champion, he had never won a match at the tournament. The Spaniard lost his opening match on his only appearance in 2022 before injuries prevented him from playing in the last two years.
But he now finds himself in the semi-final , winning three matches in a row in Monaco. Alcaraz will face a familiar foe - Davidovich Fokina. The pair have only faced off once before, with Alcaraz winning their 2023 Barcelona Open match, but they know each other very well off the court.
“Yeah, he invited me to his wedding. He's a friend. We have seen each other for a long time already,” Alcaraz said of his next opponent.
“He used to play with my older brother when they were younger, as well. I know him pretty well. I've played against him a few times.
Practised a lot.” While Alcaraz knows it will be difficult to play someone he’s so close with, the world No. 3 will be ruthless once he gets on the court.
“So it's going to be interesting. It's not gonna be easy, never easy playing against a friend, but, you know, this is tennis. Once you step on the court, there are no friends,” he smiled.
Davidovich Fokina thrives in Monte-Carlo - he beat Novak Djokovic on his way to the final in 2023 - and Alcaraz is expecting a tough match. He continued: “So I have to go for it. There is no time to be tired, to be afraid.
I will try to show a good tennis, and let's see. It's going to be my first semi-final here in Monte-Carlo. I think it is his second or third time he's gonna play in the semi-final here.
“I know this is a tournament he loves playing, and I think he feels really comfortable playing here in Monte-Carlo. I think he's been playing good tennis lately. I think it's going to be a really interesting match to watch, to play.
I'm excited.” After playing two three-set matches this week, Alcaraz will be hoping he can bring his A-game from the word go on Saturday . “I think for my health and my team's health, it is important to play the best points a little bit earlier,” he grinned.
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