Jannik Sinner is back to his rightful spot as the world number one after defeating Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(7-5), 6-3 at the Monte Carlo Masters final in France.
The first set was very close, and Sinner won the tiebreak 7–5 by staying calm and making fewer mistakes. In rallies, he hit deep, flat shots that kept Alcaraz on the back foot and stopped him from using his usual variety.
In the second set, Alcaraz started well, but Sinner quickly took control by playing more aggressively and returning better. Because it was windy, Alcaraz’s drop shots were harder to use, while Sinner’s simple and steady game worked better, helping him win in straight sets.
Addressing the media after his victory, Sinner said, “It has been an interesting week trying to learn how to play again on clay.
“I came here trying to get as many matches as possible, and I’m happy to win one big tournament on this surface.
“Having this trophy and getting back to number one means a lot to me.
“Today was a very high level from both of us. It was a bit breezy and different conditions from what we had played in this week.”
Dethroning Sinner last year, November 2,2025, Alcaraz has dropped to world no 2. The two players are expected to keep competing for the top ranking, building one of the most exciting rivalries in tennis today.
Their rivalry is often called “Sincaraz” and is already being compared to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Like Federer and Nadal, Sinner and Alcaraz have played each other in big matches, including Grand Slam finals on different surfaces, and by September 2025, they had shared the last eight Grand Slam titles.
