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Alcaraz admits he’s set to lose the World No.1 ranking as Sinner surges, with both stars making dominant starts to the Monte Carlo Masters.
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are etching together a rivalry for the ages (AFP)
What goes up must come down — and Carlos Alcaraz knows it far too well.
The World No.1 dropped a bombshell about his ATP rankings race against rival Jannik Sinner, right after his win at the Monte Carlo Masters on Tuesday.
“I’m going to lose the number one in the world,” the Spaniard admitted after his win. “I don’t know if it’s going to be in this tournament or the next one.”
“It is going to be really difficult to defend all the points, and even if I do, Jannik is going to add some points in this tournament.
Carlos Alcaraz was pretty blunt about the ATP #1 ranking race with Jannik Sinner when speaking post-match to the ATP world feed: “To be honest, I’m gonna lose the No.1 of the world.” pic.twitter.com/tNI6UVUdYF— Tumaini Carayol (@tumcarayol) April 7, 2026
To few, this might sound like pessimism from the reigning World No.1. But Alcaraz isn’t wrong, because the Italian is closing in on him — and he’s closing fast.
Sinner Turning the Heat Up
Fresh off a dominant “Sunshine Double” at Indian Wells and Miami, Sinner has carried that momentum straight onto clay.
He dismantled Ugo Humbert 6-3, 6-0 in just over an hour, extending his winning streak in Masters 1000 events to 18 matches.
“It was a good performance from my side,” Sinner said. “The first clay event is never easy… You have to change your game style a little bit.”
What makes his charge even more dangerous? He has virtually no points to defend this week, meaning every win pushes him closer to the top.
Alcaraz Focused Elsewhere
Alcaraz, for his part, looked sharp in his 6-1, 6-3 win over Sebastian Baez—but his mindset has clearly shifted.
“Number one is not on my mind,” he said. “I want to be my best on clay, and let’s see how the season goes.”
Clay Rivalry Reignites
Last season, the two rivals split iconic clashes on clay, including a dramatic French Open final where Alcaraz saved championship points galore to win a five-set epic.
Now, they’re back, looking better than before — as both players opened their Monte Carlo campaigns in style, setting the tone for the other. And it’s only a matter of time till they lock horns again.
April 07, 2026, 8:21 PM IST
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