Jannik Sinner continued his title bid with a 7-6 (5), 6-3 victory over Carlos Alcaraz, reclaiming the top spot in the ATP Rankings.
Published April 13, 2026
Italy’s Yannick Siner defeated defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in Monte Carlo to win his first Masters title on clay and reclaim the world No. 1 spot from the Spaniard.
Sinner recorded a 7-6 (5), 6-3 straight-set victory in Sunday’s final, capping an incredible run that made him the second player to win the Sunshine Double and Monte Carlo in the same season. The only previous feat was achieved by Novak Djokovic in 2015.
It was the 24-year-old’s fourth consecutive Masters 1000 title, following wins in Paris, Indian Wells and Miami, and his eighth Masters title overall.
“We came here trying to play as many games as possible before we have other big tournaments coming up, and both of us were at a very high level today,” Sinner said in an on-court interview.
“It was a bit windy and breezy, very different conditions to what the tournament had brought us to date.
“The result is great. It means a lot to me to be back in number one. At the same time, as I always say, the ranking is secondary. I’m very happy to win at least one big trophy on this surface.”
The two last met about five months ago, when Sinner defeated Alcaraz in a title showdown at the ATP Finals, and fans have been eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the Sinner rivalry.
A passionate yet friendly rivalry
Playing in turbulent conditions, both players struggled at first, exchanging early breaks, but Alcaraz was the first to find his groove and hit a winner over Sinner, who caught the Italian’s wrong foot on the baseline several times.
Alcaraz also effectively caught Sinner off guard with a fake drop shot, but both players found it difficult to break serve as they battled the wind.
Sinner was forced to work hard while trailing 6-5, but he forced a tie-break, his first serve was decisive, and Alcaraz’s double fault on set point gave him the lead.
Alcaraz attacked early in the second set, making some impressive returns that had fans jumping to secure a break and take a 3-1 lead.
However, Sinner caught a second wind and turned things around with four consecutive matches, turning the match around and aiming for the title.
The Italian celebrated the biggest clay court title of his career before embracing his rival at the net, as Sinner made no mistake on his serve and Alcaraz made a mistake on the championship point.
The Australian Open champion acknowledged that Sinner performed well when it mattered most.
“I don’t think I played well in important moments, important points. I think we had a lot of chances in the game and we didn’t take advantage of them,” Alcaraz said.
“What you are accomplishing now is impressive…only one person has won the Sunshine Double and Monte Carlo in the Open era, but you are the second to do it,” Alcaraz said.
“This is incredible, but I’ve experienced how difficult it is to make that happen. So congratulations on everything and the work you’re doing with your team.”
