In a thrilling encounter at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters, Alexei Popyrin triumphed over Casper Ruud with a score of 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 in the third round on Thursday, April 10, 2025. This victory marks Popyrin's best result in this prestigious tournament, surpassing his previous best of reaching the third round in 2024.
Popyrin, who has shown remarkable improvement in his game, added €71,705 to his prize money with this win, bringing his total earnings in the tournament to €154,170. Should he continue his winning streak, a victory in his next match would see him add another €128,480, potentially totaling €282,650 in earnings. The head-to-head record between Popyrin and Ruud now stands at 1-0 in favor of Popyrin.
Meanwhile, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina also made headlines at the Monte-Carlo Country Club, edging out No. 5 seed Jack Draper in a hard-fought match that ended 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-4. Draper struggled with his serve, committing a staggering 10 double faults throughout the match, which ultimately proved costly. Fokina, ranked No. 42, held his nerve in the final set, breaking Draper at a crucial moment to secure his place in the quarter-finals.
Reflecting on his performance, Davidovich Fokina admitted, “I didn’t feel my best tennis today and not my best mental strategy. Today was a rollercoaster with my mind. I didn’t know how to control the emotions today. I didn’t respect myself, first, and for my team, I’m so sorry how I did it today but I’m happy for the win.”
Davidovich Fokina's path to the quarter-finals included victories over Ben Shelton, the No. 11 seed, and Tomas Martin Etcheverry. He previously defeated Shelton in a close match that ended 6-7 (2), 6-2, 6-1 and Etcheverry with a score of 7-6 (2), 6-3. His next opponent will be the winner of the match between Popyrin and Ruud.
The Monte-Carlo Masters, part of the ATP Tour Masters 1000 series, continues to deliver high-stakes matches filled with intense drama and skill. The tournament features a total prize pool of €6,128,940, attracting top talent from around the globe.
In other results from the tournament, Arthur Fils defeated Andrey Rublev, the No. 7 seed, in a commanding performance, winning 6-2, 6-3. This outcome adds to the excitement as the competition progresses.
As the quarter-finals approach, tennis fans are eagerly anticipating the next round of matches. With players like Popyrin and Davidovich Fokina showing exceptional form, the stakes are higher than ever. The atmosphere at the Monte-Carlo Country Club is electric, with spectators eager to witness more thrilling tennis as the tournament unfolds.
With Popyrin's recent win, he has firmly established himself as a player to watch in this tournament. His powerful serve and aggressive playstyle have made him a formidable opponent, and fans are excited to see how far he can go in this year's Monte-Carlo Masters.
As for Davidovich Fokina, he will need to channel his emotions effectively in his next match to advance further. His ability to compete under pressure will be crucial as he faces tough competition ahead.
The Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters not only showcases the talents of established stars but also provides a platform for emerging players to shine. With each match, the competition becomes fiercer, and the quest for the coveted title intensifies.
As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more thrilling matches, unexpected upsets, and standout performances. The excitement is palpable as the best in tennis battle it out on the clay courts of Monte-Carlo.
