MONTE CARLO: Jannik Sinner defeated Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets to win the Monte Carlo Masters for the first time on Sunday, reclaiming the world No. 1 ranking from his Spanish rival.
Sinner secured the title with a 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 victory, marking his third ATP Masters 1000 triumph of the year after completing the “Sunshine Double” with wins at Indian Wells and Miami last month. The victory also extended his winning streak to 17 matches and underscored his dominance at the start of the season.
The 24-year-old Italian became only the third player—after Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal—to win four consecutive ATP Masters 1000 titles, including his triumph at the Paris Masters at the end of last season.
A milestone victory on clay
Speaking after the match, Sinner expressed satisfaction with both his performance and the significance of the achievement.
“We came here trying to get as many matches as possible, getting good feedback before other big tournaments coming up. Today was a high level from both of us,” he said.
“Getting back to No. 1 means a lot for me. I am very happy to win a big title on this surface; I haven’t done it before and it means a lot to me.”Also Read: Italy eliminated from 2026 FIFA World Cup after playoff loss
The final marked the first meeting between Sinner and Alcaraz since the Italian’s victory at the ATP Finals in November. With this win, Sinner improved his head-to-head record against Alcaraz to 7-10.
Match highlights
Alcaraz started strongly, taking an early 2-0 lead in blustery conditions. However, Sinner responded quickly, breaking back and gradually asserting control. The Spaniard saved multiple break points at 4-4 in the opening set, but Sinner’s consistency proved decisive as he clinched the tie-break when Alcaraz committed a double fault on set point.
In the second set, Alcaraz produced a stunning rally to break Sinner’s serve and move ahead 3-1. The Italian, however, raised his level and won the final five games to seal the biggest clay-court title of his career.
Historic start to the season
Sinner’s victory makes him the first player since Novak Djokovic in 2015 to win the first three ATP Masters 1000 events of a season. During the trophy ceremony, Alcaraz acknowledged his rival’s exceptional form, praising the Italian’s remarkable achievements.
Alcaraz entered the final on a 17-match winning streak on clay, dating back to titles in Rome and at Roland Garros last season, but was unable to maintain that momentum against Sinner’s relentless baseline play.
With this triumph, Sinner returns to the top of the ATP rankings for the first time this year, reinforcing his status as one of the dominant forces in men’s tennis.
Today's E-Paper