In a thrilling semi-final at the Monte Carlo Masters, Alex de Minaur's impressive clay court run came to a dramatic halt as he fell to Lorenzo Musetti, who rallied back to win 1-6, 6-4, 7-6 (4) on Saturday, April 12, 2025. The match, played in front of a passionate crowd on Court Rainier III, showcased both players' tenacity and skill, ultimately leading Musetti to his first Masters 1000 final.
De Minaur, who had been riding a wave of confidence throughout the tournament, started strong, dominating the first set with a commanding 6-1 victory. The Australian, known for his relentless style and determination, had previously delivered a stunning 'double bagel' 6-0, 6-0 win over Grigor Dimitrov in the quarter-finals and a solid 6-2, 6-2 victory against Daniil Medvedev in the last-16. His performance in the first set against Musetti seemed to suggest that another quick win was on the cards.
However, the match took a turn when rain caused a brief interruption, disrupting De Minaur's momentum. Musetti, cheered on by a large Italian contingent, capitalized on the break in play, showcasing his resilience and skill. The second set saw Musetti earn a crucial break back in the fourth game, and he continued to build on this momentum, ultimately taking the set 6-4.
The final set was a nail-biter, with both players exchanging breaks early on. Musetti, now in the groove, served for the match at 5-4 but faltered, allowing De Minaur to break back. The tension escalated as the set progressed to a tiebreak, where De Minaur initially took a 2-0 lead. Yet, the pressure mounted, and Musetti clawed his way back to tie it at 4-4. With a mix of skill and determination, Musetti surged ahead, closing out the match on his first match point.
“It’s something really remarkable and awesome,” Musetti reflected on his victory in his post-match interview. “Sharing these beautiful moments with my friends and my family. We have everyone here. I definitely feel at home. Really appreciating all the love from the crowd.”
With this victory, Musetti, currently ranked No. 16 in the world, advances to face world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz in the final on Sunday, April 13, 2025. Alcaraz defeated Alejandro Davidovich-Fokina 7-6 (7-2), 6-4 in the other semi-final match, setting up a highly anticipated showdown.
De Minaur's loss, while disappointing, marks a significant moment in his career as he prepares to rise back up to No. 7 or No. 8 in the world rankings next week. Despite the defeat, he can take pride in his remarkable performance throughout the tournament, having won 14 successive games on his opponents' serve before Musetti finally held serve at the start of the second set.
Reflecting on his journey, De Minaur described his recent run as a missed opportunity, particularly given his dominant start in the match. He had broken Musetti's serve four times in the first set alone, showcasing his aggressive return game. Yet, as the match progressed, it became clear that Musetti's determination and the home crowd's support played a pivotal role in his comeback.
As the Monte Carlo Masters draws to a close, all eyes will be on the final, where Musetti seeks to claim the biggest title of his career against the formidable Alcaraz. With both players in excellent form, the stage is set for an exciting conclusion to this prestigious tournament.
In a sport where mental resilience is just as crucial as physical prowess, both de Minaur and Musetti have demonstrated that they are formidable competitors on the ATP Tour. The Monte Carlo Masters has not only highlighted their skills but also set the tone for what promises to be an exhilarating clay court season ahead.
For de Minaur, the journey continues as he looks to build on this experience and push for his first Masters title in the coming tournaments. Meanwhile, Musetti will carry the momentum of this victory into the final, aiming to make history as he seeks to become a Masters 1000 champion.
