Quarterfinal Showdown: Davidovich Fokina Faces Popyrin in Monte Carlo Masters

PARIS, France — Alejandro Davidovich Fokina is set to take on Alexei Popyrin in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Monte Carlo Masters on Friday, April 11. Both players are coming off intense matches, making this encounter pivotal for their campaigns in the prestigious clay-court tournament.

Davidovich Fokina, who just overcame fifth-seeded Jack Draper with a score of 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-4, expressed his relief after a taxing three-hour battle. “I was very emotional and didn’t control my feelings well, but I’m happy to have won,” he said after the match. This victory marks his first quarterfinal appearance at Monte Carlo since reaching the finals four years ago.

Popyrin, on the other hand, shocked the tennis world by defeating 2024 runner-up Casper Ruud in a nail-biting contest that extended for 31 games, concluding in a 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 scoreline. The Australian showcased remarkable resilience, recovering from a 3-5 deficit in the third set and saving two match points. “It was a tough match, but I just believed in myself,” Popyrin commented following his victory.

In their quarterfinal showdown, Davidovich Fokina holds a 6-4 clay court record for the year, while Popyrin has a slightly better win ratio of 72.7% on serve on clay. The two have never faced each other on tour, adding an element of unpredictability to their matchup.

Both players emphasize the importance of mental fortitude heading into the contest. “This week is a new opportunity. I have put in the work and I am ready to perform,” said Popyrin. “I have to be focused and show my best game against Foki,” added Davidovich Fokina, determined to capitalize on his recent success.

The Monte Carlo Masters is known for its unique challenges, and with the stakes high, both players will aim to control the psychological aspects of the game. Experts predict a closely contested match that might hinge on who manages fatigue better after their previous rounds.

The quarterfinals not only spotlight these two extraordinary talents but also set the stage for what may become a defining moment in their careers.