Rafael Nadal hails Carlos Alcaraz

Rafael Nadal dominated the Monte Carlo Masters between 2005 and 2018, clinching 11 titles from 14 editions. Seven years after the king of clay, another young Spaniard is the ruler in the Principality! Carlos Alcaraz conquered his first Monte Carlo trophy over Lorenzo Musetti.

Nadal congratulated Alcaraz on his most recent success. The 11-time champion praised his Olympic Games doubles partner and called Monte Carlo a special place. In addition, Carlos is the youngest winner in the Principality since Rafa in 2008.

¡Enhorabuena @carlosalcaraz! Felicidades por el 🏆 en un lugar tan especial 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 https://t.co/u4M0FAaiv0

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) April 13, 2025

Chasing his second ATP title of the season, Alcaraz headed to Monte Carlo following an early Miami Open loss. The 21-year-old ousted Francisco Cerundolo in the second round from a set down. He dropped four games against a qualifier Daniel Altmaier and reached the quarter-final. 

Carlos had to dig deep against Arthur Fils. The two youngsters met for the first time, and world no. 3 prevailed 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 after a massive battle. The Spaniard dropped the opener and faced three break points at 5-5 in set number two. 

Facing elimination, Alcaraz denied them and broke Fils in the next one for 7-5. The Frenchman led 3-1 in the final set before the Spaniard rattled off five games to emerge at the top. Carlos faced Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the semi-final and earned a 7-6, 6-4 triumph. 

Alcaraz chased his first Masters 1000 crown in 13 months against Lorenzo Musetti. The Spaniard ousted the Italian 3-6, 6-1, 6-0 in an hour and 47 minutes for his sixth Masters 1000 title and the third on clay. Musetti played in his first Masters 1000 final and made a great start. 

He claimed four straight games and forged a 4-1 advantage. Lorenzo…