Sinner signs a declaration of intent on clay
Jannik Sinner is no longer just the king of the hard court. This Sunday, the Italian won the Monte Carlo Masters for the first time, defeating defending champion Carlos Alcaraz by a double 7-6(5) and 6-3. But this goes beyond a trophy.
With this victory, Sinner regains the number 1 position in the ATP ranking that his great rival had taken from him. A master move in the eternal battle they already call ‘Sincaraz’.
“The result is incredible. Going back to number 1 means a lot to me,” exclaimed an excited Sinner after the match.
It was a ninth final between these two giants. Sinner, with four Grand Slams, compared to Alcaraz, with seven. The Italian reduced the advantage in their direct confrontations (now 10-7 in favor of the Spaniard) and lifted his twenty-seventh professional title.
The most significant thing: it is his first Masters title on clay. A clear message for Roland Garros.
Wind, comeback and character
Conditions at the Monte Carlo Country Club were not easy. Gusty wind that tested the concentration of both. Sinner even came back from 3-1 down in the second set, showing impressive coolness.
“There was a little wind, a breeze,” Sinner explained modestly. “Different conditions… I’m very happy to win a big title on this surface; I haven’t done it before and it means a lot.”
Closing out the match on serve, Sinner fell to his knees as Alcaraz’s final shot went long. The scene said it all: effort, relief and triumph.
Alcaraz, who arrived with 17 consecutive victories on clay, was generous in defeat.
“What you are achieving right now is impressive. Congratulations on everything,” acknowledged the Spaniard.
A dream season that continues
This is the third title of the year for Sinner, after sweeping Indian Wells and Miami. He achieves something historic: he is only the fourth man to reach the final of the first three Masters of the season.
He joins an exclusive club where only Novak Djokovic was (2015). A luxury company.
For Alcaraz, although he loses this duel, his year is also brilliant. It includes his historic Australian Open, where he became the youngest man to complete all four Grand Slams.
This rivalry is already legend. Last year, Alcaraz came back to beat Sinner in the Roland Garros final. She then lost Wimbledon to him, and won again at the US Open.
Now, Sinner answers about clay. The game never ends. The next appointment: Paris.
