Jannik Sinner has recaptured the world number one ranking after defeating Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(5), 6-3 in the Monte Carlo Masters final this afternoon.The Italian triumphed over his Spanish rival in a compelling encounter lasting two hours and fifteen minutes, contested in blustery conditions on the Riviera clay.
This marks the fourth occasion the top spot has changed hands between these two dominant forces over the past two years, with no other player threatening their supremacy.Sinner will officially return to the summit when the rankings update on Monday, having last held the position in November.
Jannik Sinner has won the Monte Carlo Masters after beating Carlos Alcaraz | REUTERS
Sinner’s triumph represents a remarkable feat of consistency, as he becomes only the third man in history to claim four successive ATP 1000 titles, joining the illustrious company of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.The 24-year-old has now strung together seventeen consecutive victories.
His Monte Carlo crown follows triumphs in Paris at the close of last season, plus Indian Wells and Miami in recent weeks.Indeed, Sinner became the first player ever to complete the Sunshine Double without surrendering a single set.He is also the first man since Djokovic in 2015 to secure the opening three Masters 1000 titles of a calendar year.
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz showed each other great respect after the final | REUTERS
Despite the intensity of their rivalry, the pair shared a warm moment at the net following the conclusion of play.Alcaraz, who had held a break advantage in both sets before losing the final five games, acknowledged his opponent’s remarkable versatility.”Hard court, grass, clay court. Man, next time,” the Spaniard grinned whilst embracing the newly-crowned champion.
“That was a pleasure,” Sinner responded.The defending champion added: “Great job man, great stuff, congrats.”Sinner then rushed to celebrate with his coaching team, having secured his first significant clay court title just a fortnight after his Miami Open success.
Jannik Sinner has recaptured his world number one status after winning the Monte Carlo Masters | REUTERS
Sinner expressed his delight at finally capturing a major title on the red dirt.”I don’t know where to start,” he said immediately after the final. “Honestly, we came here just trying to get as many matches as possible, having good feedback before other big tournaments coming up.”The Italian acknowledged the challenging conditions, noting the wind had been stronger than during earlier rounds.
“The result is amazing. Getting back to No. 1 means a lot to me,” he added. “At the same time, as I always say, the ranking is secondary, and I’m very happy to win at least one big trophy on this surface. I haven’t done it before, so it means a lot to me.”