Auger-Aliassime to face Alcaraz after win at Monte Carlo Masters

Auger-Aliassime beats Nardi at Monte Carlo Masters, sets up match against Alcaraz. Tsitsipas, Dimitrov also advance in tournament.

Montreal's own Felix Auger-Aliassime showcased his talent by defeating Luca Nardi of Italy with a score of 6-2, 6-3 in the first round of the Monte Carlo Masters. This victory sets up an exciting match against world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz.

Ranked 35th in the world, Auger-Aliassime displayed his prowess on the clay courts of Court Rainier III in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France, needing just 82 minutes to secure the win against the 20-year-old Nardi. The match marked the first-ever meeting between the two players.

Nardi, ranked 76th, struggled with four double faults compared to Auger-Aliassime's two, and failed to convert any break points against the Canadian. Auger-Aliassime capitalized on three of seven break opportunities, recording 22 winners and only nine unforced errors on his path to the second round.

The Canadian sealed the match with his first match point and is now set to face Alcaraz in the upcoming match. Auger-Aliassime holds a 3-2 career record against the Spaniard, but Alcaraz has emerged victorious in their last two encounters, including one at the Indian Wells Masters in California last month.

Meanwhile, two-time champion Stefanos Tsitsipas advanced to the second round after his opponent, Laslo Djere of Serbia, retired with an injury during the second set. Tsitsipas, the 12th seed, was leading 6-3, 3-2 when Djere withdrew due to an unspecified injury.

Looking ahead, the competition heats up as players like ninth-seeded Grigor Dimitrov and top-ranked Novak Djokovic aim for success in Monte Carlo. With players like Alcaraz and former U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev also in the mix, the tournament promises thrilling matches and intense competition.