Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the Monte Carlo Masters final with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over hometown favorite Valentin Vacherot. The Spaniard wrote 'Respect to Valentin' on a TV camera lens as Vacherot received a standing ovation from the crowd. Jannik Sinner also reached the final by beating Alexander Zverev 6-1, 6-4.
On Court Rainier III, Alcaraz overcame a competitive challenge from Vacherot, who converted his only break point but could not sustain the pressure. The world No. 1 limited errors in a clinical performance, extending his unbeaten clay streak since 2025 to 17 matches at ATP Masters 1000 events on the surface. This marks their first ATP Tour meeting, with Vacherot, ranked No. 255 a year ago, now set for a career-high No. 17 after becoming the first Monegasque to reach the semifinals in the Open Era at the tournament. He had earlier defeated Hubert Hurkacz, Lorenzo Musetti, and Alex de Minaur in grueling matches. Alcaraz praised his opponent post-match: 'I’m just happy to win this really difficult match against Valentin. He’s playing great tennis with a lot of confidence right now, playing in his hometown. It was really tough to get the win.' The crowd's heartfelt standing ovation underscored Vacherot's inspiring run. In the other semifinal, Sinner dispatched Zverev 6-1, 6-4 in 83 minutes for the third straight time this year, winning 87% of first-serve points and firing 22 winners. The Italian extended his Masters 1000 winning streak to 21 matches. He reflected: 'I’m looking forward to it. These are matches why I practice... I have nothing to lose.' This is Sinner's first Monte Carlo final. The Sunday showdown pits Alcaraz, seeking a second title, against Sinner chasing his first and the world No. 1 ranking. Alcaraz leads their head-to-head 10-6 overall and 5 of 8 finals. 'It’s the dream spot for everyone... The No. 1 is on the line, which will make tomorrow even more special,' Alcaraz said.