The clay courts of Monte Carlo were ablaze with excitement as Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish prodigy, stormed to his first Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters title, defeating Lorenzo Musetti in a gripping final, 3-6, 6-1, 6-0. The victory, marking Alcaraz’s sixth ATP Masters 1000 crown, was a testament to his resilience amid a challenging season, propelling him to world No. 2. Yet, as the tennis world celebrated Alcaraz’s singles triumph, a different narrative emerged from the doubles courts, where a historic moment was overshadowed. British coach Calvin Betton, a mentor to two-time Grand Slam doubles champion Henry Patten, unleashed a scathing critique of the sport’s media coverage, lamenting the neglect of the doubles final that saw Monegasque player Romain Arneodo etch his name into history.
Betton’s frustration boiled over on social media, where he highlighted the stark disparity in attention. “Sunday: Number of Tennis TV posts about Carlos Alcaraz winning Monte Carlo: 17. Number of Tennis TV posts of Carlos Alcaraz diving into a swimming pool: 1. Number of Tennis TV posts about golf: 1. Number of Tennis TV posts about a home team winning Monte Carlo doubles: 0,” he wrote, his words dripping with incredulity. The doubles final, a thrilling contest, saw unseeded pair Arneodo and Manuel Guinard overcome seventh seeds Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool in a nail-biting 1-6, 7-6(8), 10-8 victory. For Arneodo, the win was monumental, making him the first Monegasque player to claim a title at the prestigious tournament. The wild cards saved two championship points, captivating a lively crowd on Court Rainier III, yet their triumph went largely unnoticed by major tennis media outlets.
The Monte Carlo doubles final was a spectacle in its own right, especially after Alcaraz’s singles match ended abruptly due to Musetti’s leg injury. Fans, energized by the homegrown hero’s success, packed the stands, their cheers echoing through the principality. Arneodo and Guinard, competing in only their second tour-level event together, showcased tenacity and flair, overturning a one-sided first set to clinch the title in a dramatic super-tiebreak. Betton, who coaches top-100 doubles players Patten and Luke Johnson, was engrossed by the match’s intensity. Patten, a Wimbledon 2024 and Australian Open 2025 champion, represents the growing stature of doubles, yet Betton’s critique underscores a persistent issue: the sport’s failure to elevate its doubles competitions.
Alcaraz’s singles victory was undoubtedly the headline, a beacon of hope after a turbulent month. “It’s been a really difficult week with a lot of difficult situations,” he said post-match, reflecting on personal and professional challenges, including a surprise Miami Open loss to David Goffin. His coach, Samuel Lopez, urged him to “stay positive” and “face difficulties,” advice that fueled his comeback against Musetti. Alcaraz’s focus on enjoying the court, rather than chasing rankings, resonated with fans, as he declared, “I’m not thinking about the ranking anymore. Just keep going, making the things that I enjoy, that make me happy.” His win, coupled with a stylish celebration, dominated social media, amplifying Betton’s point about media priorities.
The neglect of doubles isn’t new. A decade ago, John McEnroe, a doubles legend, suggested the format was in decline, even proposing its removal from the ATP Tour. Yet, Monte Carlo’s electric doubles final proved otherwise, with Arneodo’s historic win igniting local pride. Betton’s outspoken stance echoes a broader call for change, urging platforms like Tennis TV to balance their coverage. As Alcaraz prepares for the Barcelona Open and his French Open title defense, the doubles community seeks recognition for moments like Arneodo and Guinard’s, which embody the sport’s depth and passion. For now, Betton’s words linger, a rallying cry for a more inclusive tennis narrative.