Now for the next rung on the ladder: Alcaraz.

Over the last four sets in Monte Carlo, the second seed has found his clay game, and his A game, at the same time. He and Fils are two athletes at the peaks of their youthful powers, who leap and bound around the court the way only guys their age can. They use top-handed backhands, and play a similar attack-first baseline game. Neither will leave many mid-court balls unpunished.

As far as moving and ball-striking, Alcaraz has a higher ceiling than virtually anyone, including Fils. But Fils has been competing as well and as confidently as he ever has over the past six weeks. He’ll believe he can win. I’ll wait for him to prove it. Winner: Alcaraz