Alcaraz reacts in time to defeat Etcheverry in Monte Carlo

Pedro de Pablos | 9 Apr 2026 | 15.51

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Carlos Alcaraz showed an inconsistent level in his round of 16 match at the Monte Carlo Masters 1000 against Tomás Martín Etcheverry, where he displayed both his best and worst. Fortunately, the world number one managed to react in time to win 6-1 4-6 6-3 and secure his spot in the quarterfinals, keeping his title defense chances intact.

The Spanish tennis player stepped onto the court with the pressure of knowing that Jannik Sinner was already in the next round, a step closer to taking the world number one position from him. Although the first set suggested an easy victory, Alcaraz made things complicated for himself and came close to paying dearly. However, he managed to halt Etcheverry's assault and advance to the top eight once again.

The Spanish player started the match at cruise speed, breaking in the first game and winning the first eight points. Despite Etcheverry's attempts to react, Alcaraz's level was outstanding. In fact, Carlos quickly earned the second break of the match, and even a third to wrap up the first set 6-1 in less than half an hour, approaching excellence.

Etcheverry Finds His Best Form to Win the Second Set

The second set started similarly, with Alcaraz having a break point. However, Etcheverry managed to hold his ground to prevent the match from getting even tougher. Nevertheless, Carlos faced little trouble on his serve, while each service game (and return) was a nightmare for the Argentine player, experiencing firsthand what it means to face the Spanish player at the highest level on clay.

Coincidentally, from that moment on, it was as if Etcheverry shrugged off a backpack of stones, starting to display his best level. In fact, he broke Alcaraz's serve in the following game to everyone's surprise, and confirmed the break with his serve. Not only that, but now he was the one overwhelming the Spanish player with his game, who lost focus after feeling so dominant in the first set.

In fact, Etcheverry had two more break points that Alcaraz managed to save, but not the third one. The Argentine player took a 4-1 lead and a service game in his favor, causing concern for the player from Murcia, who reacted with a break back to make it 4-3 and on serve. However, it wasn't enough to stop Tomás' rebellion, who eventually closed it out 6-4 to push the match to a third set. Too many errors from Carlos and nothing to lose on the other side of the court.

Alcaraz Regains Magic in the Third Set

Far from crumbling, Alcaraz started the decisive set strong. He managed to find depth with his forehand and backhand, leaving behind the 23 unforced errors from the second set, and secured an early break that gave him wings, putting him ahead 3-0. He had another chance to break his opponent's serve, but once again the Argentine player held firm to keep hopes of turning the match around.

In fact, the Argentine player would have his chance at 4-2 down thanks to an error on a drop shot attempt by Alcaraz, but Carlos salvaged the situation with a second serve that bounced awkwardly for Etcheverry. Tomás held his serve to pressure the player from Murcia, but he didn't falter. Ultimately, he closed out the match with a 6-3 victory and let out a roar heard from Spain, knowing he had just averted a crisis. Next stop: Bublik in the quarterfinals.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Alcaraz reacciona a tiempo para vencer a Etcheverry en Montecarlo