Carlos Alcaraz’s Rival Jokes “I Don’t Want a Picture with Him” Ahead of Monte-Carlo Clash
Carlos Alcaraz reached his first Monte-Carlo Masters final after defeating fellow Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 7-6(2), 6-4 in a tense semi-final match. However, it was the pre-match coin toss that sparked laughter, as Davidovich Fokina joked with the chair umpire that he didn’t want a photo with Alcaraz.
As is tradition, players typically pose for a picture at the net after the coin toss. When umpire Aurelie Tourte mentioned the photo, Davidovich Fokina quipped, “I don’t want a picture with him,” to which Alcaraz responded with a smile, “It is what it is.” The umpire reminded them humorously that the photo wasn’t optional.
Despite the friendly banter, the match was fiercely competitive. Alcaraz, ranked World No. 3, had to fight hard against Davidovich Fokina, who came back from a 5-2 deficit in the first set to force a tiebreak. Alcaraz finally secured the set after half an hour of pressure and needed six match points to close out the second set.
After the win, Alcaraz spoke about the challenge of playing a close friend. “It’s difficult,” he admitted. “We’re really good friends off the court, and to put that aside and be a little selfish was hard. But I had to focus on myself.”
Alcaraz and Davidovich Fokina share a strong personal bond—Alcaraz is even invited to his opponent’s upcoming wedding. Still, with a spot in a Masters 1000 final at stake, their camaraderie had to be momentarily paused.
