Alex de Minaur Exits Monte-Carlo Masters After Sudden Rescheduling of Final

Event organisers for the Monte-Carlo Masters have made the decision to advance the final match due to impending rain, which poses the risk of delays and potential postponements.

A new champion will be crowned as Carlos Alcaraz and Lorenzo Musetti are set to compete in the final on Sunday evening (AEST).

Alcaraz had to save six match points to defeat his fellow Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, winning 7-6 (2), 6-4 on Saturday to secure his spot in the final of this clay-court event.

The world number three, Alcaraz, has made it to his 23rd final on tour, facing Musetti from Italy as he strives for his first title in Monte Carlo.

After taking a lead in the first set, Alcaraz had to fight through a tiebreak when Davidovich-Fokina saved three set points.

“He saved quite a few breakpoints and match points,” Alcaraz commented.

“The key thing is I’m feeling great physically.”

Musetti, seeded 13th, triumphed over Alex de Minaur with a score of 1-6, 6-4, 7-6 in the semi-finals.

The 23-year-old also eliminated the defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarter-finals to secure his maiden Masters 1000 final appearance.

Musetti becomes only the fourth Italian player to reach a Masters 1000 final since 1990 and the third to do so in Monte Carlo during the Open Era.

The final has been rescheduled to start three hours earlier than originally planned due to heavy rain forecasts, which threatened to disrupt the event.

In a proactive approach, the doubles match will now follow the singles final.

“Given the weather forecast for Sunday, and in consultation with ATP officials, the tournament organisers have opted to adjust the singles final to 12pm on Court Rainier III, offering the best chance to successfully conclude this remarkable 2025 edition,” read an official statement from the tournament.

“The doubles final will commence shortly after the conclusion of the singles final.”

This marks Alcaraz’s third consecutive final on clay, building on his success at the French Open and a silver medal finish at the Paris Olympics last year.