Jannik Sinner reclaimed world number one from Carlos Alcaraz after winning the final of the Monte Carlo Masters, his first major clay title. The win marks a major milestone as Sinner aims to complete a career Grand Slam with a strong showing at the French Open. In last year’s French Open final, Alcaraz saved three match points to defeat Sinner in a dramatic fifth-set tiebreak. This recent victory in Monte Carlo is Sinner’s first meeting with Alcaraz since that match.
While Sinner acknowledged that reaching No. 1 was satisfying, he stressed that he remains focused on the upcoming Grand Slam tournaments in Paris and London.
“Of course it’s nice. I’d be a liar if I said anything else,” he said. “But it doesn’t change my thought process. I play to win tournaments and Carlos and I are very close, so the order can change week to week.”
He added: “There are two Grand Slams coming up, Paris and London. We’ll see where we are after those tournaments. At the moment I’m more focused on them than the rankings. But to wake up as number one again is quite nice.”
Sinner also said the rankings reflect his progress.
“It means a lot to me because it means I’m progressing,” he said.
WILL WE SEE SINNER VS ALCARAZ IN THE MADRID OPEN?
The Madrid Open is expected to be next on the Masters calendar, but Sinner has yet to confirm his participation. The tournament is a week away and could spark another battle between two of the top stars in world tennis.
However, the Italian feels rest is most important now.
“It’s important to rest now,” he said. “So now I will take two or three days without thinking about tennis at all and then we will decide whether to play in Madrid or not.”
After reaching the final of the French Open last year and making the semi-finals of the Australian Open this season, Sinner is looking to go one step further and win the title at Roland Garros this year.
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Published on:
13 Apr 2026 18:15 IST
