Francisco Cerúndolo takes on Carlos Alcaraz in Monte-Carlo second round seeking revenge

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1. Francisco Cerúndolo takes on Carlos Alcaraz in Monte-Carlo second round seeking revenge (130 characters)
2. Clash of titans: Cerúndolo challenges Alcaraz in Monte-Carlo second round this Wednesday (134 characters)
3. Monte-Carlo heats up with Cerúndolo vs. Alcaraz in thrilling second-round showdown (130 characters)

Chosen Title: Francisco Cerúndolo takes on Carlos Alcaraz in Monte-Carlo second round seeking revenge

The Masters 1000 in Monte-Carlo has kicked off its clay-court action with a highly anticipated matchup set to captivate tennis fans this Wednesday, April 9. Francisco Cerúndolo, ranked 22nd in the world, squares off against Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, the current world number 3, in a second-round clash at the prestigious tournament. This encounter is more than just another match on the calendar—it’s a chance for the Argentine to settle the score after a recent defeat to Alcaraz in the Indian Wells quarterfinals just weeks ago. Scheduled for the second slot of the day on the iconic Court Rainier III, the match is slated to begin no earlier than 7 a.m. ET, promising a display of skill and endurance on the traditional red clay surface.

Cerúndolo arrives at this showdown riding high from a dominant first-round performance. Facing off against Italy’s Fabio Fognini, a former Monte-Carlo champion in 2019, the Argentine delivered a resounding 6-0, 6-3 victory in just one hour. The win underscored the 26-year-old’s strong form in 2025, highlighted by quarterfinal runs in both Indian Wells and Miami earlier this year. Meanwhile, Alcaraz, entering as the second seed and bypassing the first round, aims to claim his maiden title in the Principality while looking to regain momentum after a mixed American hard-court swing, which included a semifinal in Indian Wells but an unexpected early exit in Miami.

This matchup carries extra intrigue as it marks their first official clash on clay in the ATP circuit. Alcaraz holds a 2-0 lead in their head-to-head, with victories at Queen’s in 2024 (6-1, 7-5) and Indian Wells in 2025 (6-3, 7-6). Yet, Cerúndolo has a hidden ace up his sleeve: back in 2019, during an ITF M15 event in Palmanova, he defeated the Spaniard 6-2, 6-4 on clay. That early win could fuel the Argentine’s confidence as he looks to snap his losing streak against one of tennis’s brightest stars.

An Argentine rising on clay

Francisco Cerúndolo couldn’t hide his satisfaction after his Monte-Carlo opener. Against a seasoned opponent like Fognini, he showcased an aggressive and precise game, controlling the match from start to finish. The 6-0, 6-3 triumph marked his third win at the tournament, where he’s yet to advance past the second round after losses to Matteo Berrettini in 2023 and Karen Khachanov in 2024. Now, buoyed by a solid 2025 season—including 34 career wins in Masters 1000 events—the Buenos Aires native dreams of a breakthrough against Alcaraz.

Cerúndolo’s recent form is no fluke. This year, he’s notched impressive results, reaching the quarterfinals in Indian Wells (falling to Alcaraz in a tight contest) and Miami (edged out by Grigor Dimitrov in three close sets: 7-6, 4-6, 6-7). His win over Fognini bolsters his belief, especially on clay—a surface he’s mastered growing up. “It’s always great to be back on clay, where I’ve played my whole life,” he said post-match, emphasizing his comfort on the red dirt.

Alcaraz under pressure to conquer Monte-Carlo

Carlos Alcaraz steps onto the court as a prodigy who’s already secured four Grand Slam titles before turning 22. Hailing from El Palmar, Spain, he’s a favorite in nearly every tournament he enters, yet Monte-Carlo remains uncharted territory for him. His lone appearance in 2022 ended with a first-round loss to Sebastian Korda, and injuries sidelined him in the past two editions. This year’s campaign is a highly anticipated return for fans and analysts alike.

The 2025 season has been a rollercoaster for Alcaraz. He clinched the ATP 500 title in Rotterdam but struggled during the American hard-court swing. A semifinal finish in Indian Wells was overshadowed by a second-round exit in Miami to David Goffin (7-5, 4-6, 3-6). Now, on Monte-Carlo’s clay, the Spaniard aims to rediscover his top form and prove his prowess on a surface where he triumphed at Roland Garros in 2024.

Head-to-head history fuels rivalry

The Cerúndolo-Alcaraz matchup is no stranger to the tennis world, with their recent encounters adding spice to the rivalry. Just weeks ago in Indian Wells, Alcaraz prevailed 6-3, 7-6 (4) in a hard-fought quarterfinal. Before that, in Queen’s 2024, he cruised to a 6-1, 7-5 win on grass, showcasing his dominance on a surface that suits his attacking style. Despite Alcaraz’s edge, Cerúndolo sees clay as his chance to turn the tide.

“ We’ve played on grass and hard courts; now it’s clay. Maybe third time’s the charm,” Cerúndolo quipped after beating Fognini. He acknowledges the challenge of facing Alcaraz, a versatile player who excels across surfaces, but remains hopeful. “It’ll be tough—he’s one of the best—but it’s a fresh shot,” he added. For Cerúndolo, this match is a golden opportunity to prove he can hang with the sport’s elite.

• Cerúndolo’s first win over Alcaraz: 6-2, 6-4, ITF M15 Palmanova, 2019.
• Queen’s 2024: Alcaraz won 6-1, 7-5 in 1 hour, 22 minutes.
• Indian Wells 2025: Alcaraz took it 6-3, 7-6 (4) in 1 hour, 43 minutes.

What to expect from the Monte-Carlo showdown

Experts predict this Wednesday’s clash could be closer than their prior meetings. Clay’s slower pace favors players with consistency and stamina—qualities Cerúndolo has displayed in 2025. Alcaraz, known for his explosiveness and flair, will need to adapt after weeks away from clay. The Court Rainier III setting promises a grueling test for both.

Cerúndolo’s strategy may hinge on targeting Alcaraz’s backhand, a shot that’s shown cracks lately, while maintaining the aggression he unleashed against Fognini. Alcaraz, meanwhile, will likely lean on his lightning-fast forehand and speed to dictate play and avoid prolonged rallies where Cerúndolo thrives.

Stakes high in the clay season

Monte-Carlo is just the start of the clay swing for both players, leading up to Roland Garros in May and June. For Alcaraz, a title here would solidify his status as a clay-court force, following in the footsteps of Rafael Nadal, his compatriot and idol. A deep run could also propel him past Alexander Zverev (world number 2) in the rankings, especially after Zverev’s early exit.

Cerúndolo aims to cement his place among the tour’s top tier. With three ATP titles and steady Masters 1000 showings, he’s chasing a defining moment in 2025. Beating Alcaraz would mark his 13th win over a top-10 player and a personal best in Monte-Carlo, where he’s never reached the third round.

Match details on Court Rainier III

Set for the second slot on Wednesday, the Cerúndolo-Alcaraz duel follows Daniel Altmaier vs. Richard Gasquet, with an approximate start time of 7 a.m. ET—though it depends on the prior match’s length. The winner advances to the round of 16, facing the survivor of Altmaier-Gasquet.

Running from April 6-13, the Monte-Carlo Masters 1000 kicks off the clay season in style. Defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas, a three-time winner in the last four years (2021, 2022, 2024), and Novak Djokovic, chasing his 100th career title post-Olympic gold in 2024, headline the field.

Stats that tell the tale

Cerúndolo and Alcaraz’s 2025 numbers reflect their competitive edge. The Argentine boasts 15 wins and 4 losses, a title, and over $1.3 million in prize money. Alcaraz, with a Rotterdam trophy, maintains a high win rate despite recent stumbles.

On Monte-Carlo clay, Cerúndolo holds a 60% win rate (3-2), while Alcaraz is 0-1, courtesy of his 2022 debut loss. These stats may mean little, though, given the skill and grit both bring to big matches.

• Cerúndolo’s Masters 1000 record: 34 wins in 55 matches.
• Alcaraz’s Grand Slam titles: 4 (US Open 2022, Roland Garros 2024, Wimbledon 2023, 2024).
• Cerúndolo vs. top 10: 12 wins in 25 matches.

A historic stage for tennis

Nestled against the Mediterranean, the Monte Carlo Country Club’s clay courts offer one of tennis’s most picturesque venues. Since its inception, the tournament has drawn the sport’s elite, and this year is no exception. Beyond Cerúndolo and Alcaraz, stars like Djokovic, Tsitsipas, and Alejandro Tabilo—who faces the Serb after ousting Stan Wawrinka—promise fireworks.

Argentine fans have extra reason to cheer, with Mariano Navone and Thiago Ugo Carabelli also in the main draw. Spain counters with Alcaraz, Alejandro Davidovich, Pedro Martínez, and Roberto Bautista, all vying for glory.

Cerúndolo’s clay roots

Raised on Buenos Aires’ clay courts, Francisco Cerúndolo has a deep bond with the surface. Two of his three ATP titles—Bastad and Umag in 2022—came on clay, showcasing his knack for the slow grind. His Monte-Carlo win over Fognini, a clay maestro, signals he’s ready for bigger tests.

“Playing the main court against a legend like Fabio was special,” Cerúndolo said after his opener. Now, he eyes an even greater feat against Alcaraz.

Alcaraz chasing consistency

Carlos Alcaraz’s prodigious talent shone in 2024 with Roland Garros and Wimbledon titles, but 2025 has been uneven. A Rotterdam win kicked things off, yet Indian Wells (semifinals) and Miami (early exit to Goffin) exposed flaws. Monte-Carlo offers a reset.

Training with Djokovic last Sunday, Alcaraz expressed excitement. “I want to play at a high level here—it’s a place I’ve only competed in once,” he said, eager to erase his 2022 stumble.

Wednesday’s match outlook

Analysts see a potential three-setter. Cerúndolo’s endurance shone against Alex de Miñaur in Indian Wells (7-5, 6-3), while Alcaraz thrives in clutch moments, like his Indian Wells tiebreak vs. Cerúndolo. Clay’s demands could tip the scales.

The victor faces Altmaier or Gasquet next, with Cerúndolo chasing a third-round debut and Alcaraz a title shot.

Monte-Carlo Masters 1000 schedule

Key dates for this year’s event:

• April 6: First round begins.
• April 8-9: Second round.
• April 10: Round of 16.
• April 11: Quarterfinals.
• April 12: Semifinals.
• April 13: Final.

With 56 players in the main draw, top seeds like Alcaraz skip the opener, intensifying early rounds.

A clash of generations and styles

At 26, Cerúndolo embodies a generation striving for prominence, wielding a steady baseline game. At 21, Alcaraz is the wunderkind atop the sport, blending power and ingenuity. Clay’s longer rallies will test whose approach prevails.

Spotlight on the main court

The 10,000-seat Court Rainier III, framed by Monaco’s stunning backdrop, hosts this showdown. Cerúndolo relished his debut there against Fognini, and now faces Alcaraz with Argentine and European fans set to electrify the stands.

Fun facts about the stars

• Cerúndolo is Argentina’s top-ranked player, ahead of Sebastián Báez and Tomás Etcheverry.
• Alcaraz is the second-youngest to hit ATP top 3, trailing only Nadal.
• Their three-surface history (clay, grass, hard) is rare for such a brief rivalry.
• Alcaraz boasts an 88.2% clay win rate in Masters 1000s, yet none in Monte-Carlo.

Ranking implications

A Cerúndolo upset could push him near the top 20, while an Alcaraz title run might vault him to world number 2. With 1,000 points up for grabs, every match counts.

Road to the final

Post-second round, the winner navigates a treacherous field—Tsitsipas, Djokovic, and Sinner loom large. Monte-Carlo’s clay often springs surprises, making each step critical.