All of which is to say that Alcaraz could use his first win in Monte Carlo more than ever. But Cerundolo won’t be the easiest person to get it against. The Argentine was in form last month, making the quarters in Indian Wells and Miami, and, as you can guess from his country of origin, he’s comfortable on clay—two of his three career titles have come on the surface.
Cerundolo beat Alcaraz in their only clay-court meeting, at a small Spanish Challenger in 2019. But Alcaraz has won their two ATP encounters, the most recent in Indian Wells last month. Cerundolo went up a break in the second set that day, but couldn’t hold the lead.
Will his ability, or inability, to close be the difference again in Monte Carlo? Cerundolo can trade forehands with Alcaraz, and stay with him from the ground on clay. And Alcaraz is always prone to phases of wildness. But if Cerundolo gets a lead, can he hang onto it? I’m guessing Alcaraz’s motivation to get his game back on track will prevail. Winner: Alcaraz
