Jannik Sinner defeated Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets to win the Monte Carlo Masters and reclaim the world number one ranking.
- +Sinner beats Alcaraz to win Monte Carlo Masters and reclaim World No.1
The Italian prevailed 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 to secure his third ATP 1000 title of the year, following his “Sunshine Double” triumphs at Indian Wells and Miami.
The Italian prevailed 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 to secure his third ATP 1000 title of the year, following his “Sunshine Double” triumphs at Indian Wells and Miami.
At 24, Sinner joins Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal as only the third player to win four consecutive ATP 1000 titles, having also lifted the Paris title at the end of last season.
“We came here trying to get as many matches as possible, getting good feedback before other big tournaments,” Sinner said. “The result is amazing. Getting back to No. 1 means a lot to me… I am very happy to win a big title on this surface.”
It was the first meeting between Sinner and Alcaraz since the Italian’s victory at the ATP Finals in November, and it further tilts their growing rivalry, with Sinner now holding a 7-10 career record against the Spaniard.
Sinner will officially return to the top of the rankings on Monday, marking his first stint at No. 1 this year. He has now won 17 consecutive matches and has become the first player since Djokovic in 2015 to claim the first three ATP 1000 titles of a season.
Alcaraz, who had been on a 17-match winning streak on clay dating back to last season’s titles in Rome and Roland Garros, started brightly, racing into a 2-0 lead in the opening set.
“It’s impressive what you are achieving right now,” Alcaraz said during the trophy ceremony. “Just one man had won the ‘Sunshine Double’ and Monte Carlo, and you are the second.”
