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Alcaraz and Sinner will battle in the Monte Carlo final with the world No.1 ranking on the line.
‘Sin-caraz’ will meet each other at the Monte Carlo Masters final for the first time, with the World No.1 ranking on the line (AFP)
Clay season is here — and guess who we have facing off in the first final?
Erp, Sincaraz as always — but this time, with slightly higher stakes.
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will clash in a blockbuster Monte Carlo Masters final on Sunday, with the world No.1 ranking on the line.
Alcaraz booked his spot by ending the dream run of local wildcard Valentin Vacherot, cruising to a 6-4, 6-4 semifinal win in 84 minutes — reaching his 10th Masters 1000 final.
The 22-year-old continues to dominate on clay, improving his record to a staggering 26-1 on the surface since the start of last season.
Chasing a second Monte Carlo title and a third trophy of the year, Alcaraz knows exactly what’s at stake.
“It’s going to be a really special one. The No.1 is on the line,” he said.
“Against him, there is no favourite… it depends who plays the best that day.”
Alcaraz leads their head-to-head 10-6, but this will be their first meeting of the season.
Sinner Storms In, Makes History
Earlier in the day, Sinner delivered a statement performance, dismantling Alexander Zverev 6-1, 6-4 to reach his first Monte Carlo final.
The Italian was ruthless from the outset, racing through the opening set in just 34 minutes with three breaks of serve. Though Zverev steadied in the second, Sinner’s relentless pressure proved too much.
“I felt really solid from the beginning,” Sinner said. “Finding myself in the final means a lot.”
The 24-year-old also etched his name into elite company, becoming the first player since Novak Djokovic in 2015 to reach the finals of the season’s first three Masters 1000 events.
Only Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have previously achieved the feat.
Sinner enters Sunday’s showdown in red-hot form, having dropped just one set in his last 21 Masters 1000 matches.
A Rivalry Renewed
This final also rekindles a simmering rivalry. Their last clay-court meeting? A French Open epic won by Alcaraz after saving three championship points.
Now, with the No.1 ranking hanging in the balance, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
(with AFP inputs)
April 12, 2026, 09:31 IST
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