Jannik Sinner’s Set-Winning Streak Halted By Tomas Machac In Monte-Carlo

Last Updated:April 09, 2026, 7:41 PM IST

Jannik Sinner edges Tomas Machac in Monte Carlo, streak ends but quarterfinal spot and world No.1 chase stay alive in bid for first clay Masters title.

Jannik Sinner plays a backhand return to Czech Republic’s Tomas Machac (Picture credit: AFP)

Four-time Grand Slam champion Jannik Sinner’s record-setting streak was halted on Thursday by Czech star Tomas Machac, as he won the second set against the former in a three-set, Round of 16 thriller at the Monte-Carlo Masters. Sinner had won 37 sets in a row at ATP Masters 1000 events till Thursday.

Sinner, world No. 2 in the ATP Rankings, had captured titles in Paris last year and at Indian Wells and the Miami Open last month, all without dropping a set, breaking Novak Djokovic’s previous record of 24 successive sets.

Sinner extended his run by winning the first three sets at Monte-Carlo, before Machac stormed through a second-set tie-break to end the streak.

Sinner won the third set comfortably, 6-3, to set up a quarterfinal clash against sixth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, in his bid for a first Masters 1000 title on clay.

Sinner has the chance to reclaim the world No. 1 spot from fierce rival Carlos Alcaraz, who is all set to play on Thursday. The latter is currently playing Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry.

“I think I can be happy. Not every day is the same. I was struggling a little bit. I was a bit tired. I hope that I can recover as much as I can for tomorrow. I try to do the best I can in every match I play,” Sinner said after the match.

After a dominant first set, Sinner lost momentum in the second, committing 15 unforced errors and falling behind 2-5. Although he rallied to lead 6-5, he succumbed in the tie-break to an inspired Machac.

Sinner bounced back in the third set, smacking with greater depth and precision, sealing the victory over Machac after two hours and one minute.

“I felt great before the match. In the second set, I struggled a bit to find the right energy, but this can happen. I tried to push myself through, which I have done. Even when you don’t feel your best, you try to find ways and that was the case today and I am happy,” Sinner said.

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