The pair traded smiles — and miraculously good shots — on Monday in Miami.
By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Monday March 25, 2024
Carlos Alcaraz and Gael Monfils locked horns in a generational on clash on Monday night in Miami, and while the contest featured mostly one-way traffic, it still had some over the top magic from both players, particularly in a second set that kept getting crazier as the finish line neared.
After the 6-2, 6-4 victory, which sent Alcaraz to the round of 16 in Miami with an eight-match winning streak in tow. The Spaniard, bidding to become the third man to win multiple Sunshine Doubles, said he enjoyed the special moments with the 37-year-old legend.
So did football legend Neymar, NBA legend Jimmy Butler, and former Grand Slam champion Juan Martin del Potro, who were all in attendance at the Miami Open on Monday.
🎾 Carlos Alcaraz
⚽️ Neymar Jr
🏀 Jimmy ButlerLegends collide at the #MiamiOpen 😍pic.twitter.com/ECt1ns4eVI
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 26, 2024
Alcaraz broke four times and won 76 percent of his first-serve points as he confidently managed his 14th win of the season.
“It’s always great to share the court with Gael,” said Alcaraz, who improved to 2-0 against the Frenchman with the win. “I think that both of us bring great tennis, great shots to the match. Yeah, I think for the fans it’s great to see both of us playing great tennis, making them enjoying watching tennis.”
Alcaraz will face Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti in the round of 16 on Tuesday in Miami.
Musetti edged Ben Shelton in a thrilling contest on Monday, 6-4, 7-6.
Alcaraz owns the 2-1 lifetime edge over the 22-year-old Italian. “It’s absurd how good this kid is,” especially when he’s confident, said Roddick said of the 20-year-old World No.2
