Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene were in the stands, cheering on the finalists at the Rolex Monte-Carlos Masters, where Carlos Alcarez defeated Lorenzo Musetti. Later that day, the Prince was on hand for a momentous conclusion to the event, as Franco-Monegasque doubles team Manuel Guinard and Romain Arneodo won the day, making Arneodo the first Monegasque to win the tournament on his home turf.
The 118th edition of the Rolex Monte-Carlos Masters tennis tournament delivered both a thrilling singles showdown and an historic triumph in the men’s doubles, where Romain Arneodo became the first Monegasque player ever to win a title at the prestigious event.
The day started with Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz taking centre stage in the singles final, battling back from a set down to defeat Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti 3-6, 6-1, 6-0.
The world number two captured his sixth ATP Masters 1000 title, and his first on the iconic clay courts of Monaco, in a match marked by Musetti’s third-set struggles with a leg injury.
Alcaraz’s victory came after a turbulent few weeks, making the win all the more meaningful for the 21-year-old. “This is the second time that I played this tournament. I came with no wins here, and I feel great, I just felt great. Every time I stepped onto the court, every practice, the support here has been immense,” he said in his speech after the big win.
Meanwhile, Arneodo, partnering with France’s Manuel Guinard, delivered a thrilling comeback in the doubles final, sealing their place in Monegasque sports history. Local fans, including Prince Albert, had reason to celebrate as the duo completed a dream run by overcoming Britain’s Lloyd Glasspool and Julian Cash in a dramatic final winning 1-6, 7-6 (8), 10-8. The pair saved two match points before clinching victory in 88 minutes.
“I don’t know what happened. I’m just so emotional now, it’s crazy. It’s a dream,” Arneodo said as reported on the ATP Tour’s website. “I couldn’t believe it was true in ’23, we reached the final. We had two match points, I still dream about that for the last two years. I was so disappointed the last two years to not win this tournament. And now, to achieve this tournament, for me, [what I have done in] tennis is enough. Now I won the tournament, my tennis career, I reached my dream goal.”
With the Princely Couple watching from their perch and fans in the stands on their feet, the 2025 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters concluded with international excitement and a new hometown hero, a fitting finale for one of tennis’s most iconic spring event.
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Photo by Michaël Alesi / Palais princier