The world number one stopped the fairytale of local tennis player and sensational Shanghai champion Valentin Vashereau, winning in two sets – 6:4, 6:4.

Alcaraz has thus scheduled a new clash with his biggest rival Janik Siner, the 17th in a row, and the first this year.

The Spaniard served brilliantly in the first set, not allowing his rival a single break chance, and he decided the third game, which saw the only break.

The second set was much more interesting and uncertain. Alcaraz broke his opponent's serve again in the third game, leading 2:1, but his mistakes brought Vassereau back into the match, and the Monegasque turned the score around to 3:2.

At 4:4 in the second set, Vaschero had two tied game points, but Carlitos won four points in a row, broke, and then served for another final.

Vaschereau made history in Monaco, becoming the first tennis player to reach the semifinals here, and meanwhile won Shanghai in a historic final with his cousin Arthur Rinderknech. Exactly a year ago, he was 256th on the ATP list, and as of Monday he will be 17th on the planet.

Tomorrow's finale is scheduled for 3 p.m., and there is no doubt that we are in for a new blockbuster.