Francisco Cerundolo on Caros Alcaraz conflict: ‘Third time’s the appeal?’

Francisco Cerundolo will face world no. 3 Carlos Alcaraz within the Monte Carlo Masters second spherical. The Argentine sailed previous Fabio Fognini within the opening match, arranging his third conflict versus the four-time Main champion.

Carlos defeated Francisco of their earlier two matches, however they are going to meet on clay for the primary time. Cerundolo hopes to problem Alcaraz and search his first victory over one of many world’s greatest gamers. 

HIGHLIGHTS: Carlos beats Francisco to succeed in the semi-final! 🙌

That’s the Spaniards sixteenth consecutive victory in California 🇺🇸😱 pic.twitter.com/eo8PXSbkOO

— TNT Sports activities (@tntsports) March 14, 2025

Carlos is searching for his second title of the season after Rotterdam. He misplaced the Indian Wells crown to Jack Draper and skilled an early Miami Open loss in opposition to David Goffin. The Spaniard should dig deep to attain lead to Monte Carlo, ranging from the opening match!

Their first duel on the Tour got here ultimately yr’s ATP 500 occasion at Queen’s. Carlos earned a 6-1, 7-5 victory, dominating the opening set and prevailing within the second to keep away from a decider. They fought once more a few weeks in the past in Indian Wells. 

Carlos Alcaraz, Monte Carlo 2025© Stream screenshot

The defending champion scored a 6-3, 7-6 victory within the quarter-final, offering his sixteenth straight triumph within the desert. The Spaniard erased a 4-1 deficit within the second set and prevailed within the tie break to emerge on the high and attain the semi-final. 

Francisco is able to problem Carlos in Monte Carlo, making a dependable begin to the event and hoping for a notable victory on the large scene.

Francisco Cerundolo, Indian Wells 2025© Stream screenshot

“I have played against Carlos on grass and hard. Now it’s time to challenge him on clay, and maybe it will be third time lucky. I do not know if clay is my surface because I have been playing well on hard too. However, I grew up on clay and played on it my entire life.

Facing Carlos is always challenging. He is capable of playing amazing tennis on any surface. We played a good match in Indian Wells in tough windy and cold conditions,” Francisco Cerundolo mentioned.