Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are competing at the Monte Carlo Masters, a tournament where Alcaraz is the defending champion. Alcaraz has acknowledged that his top ranking is under threat, stating he expects to lose the world No. 1 ranking soon, with multiple reports indicating Sinner is likely to overtake him during the clay season.
Sinner enters the semi-finals on a formidable run of form, having not lost a match since February 19. Earlier this season, he became the first man to win the Sunshine Double—Indian Wells and Miami—without dropping a set. His record streak of 37 consecutive sets won at the Masters 1000 level did end against Tomas Machac, but his overall dominance has been a defining feature of the early season.
In the Monte Carlo semi-finals, Sinner will face Alexander Zverev. Sinner secured his spot by defeating Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 6-4 in the quarter-finals. Zverev advanced with a 7-5, 6-7(3), 6-3 victory over Joao Fonseca.
On the other side of the draw, Alcaraz is pursuing a successful title defense. He had a stellar clay swing in 2025, winning the Monte Carlo Masters, Italian Open, and French Open, while finishing as runner-up in Barcelona. His path continues with a quarter-final against Alexander Bublik, marking their first-ever meeting on tour.
Historical context adds intrigue to the potential final. Sinner missed the Monte Carlo Masters last year due to a suspension and has never won a big title on clay. Alcaraz, meanwhile, has observed Sinner's tactical evolution, noting he has seen Sinner incorporating more drop shots into his game.
Reactions from players highlight the rivalry's significance. Alexander Bublik claimed that Alcaraz and Sinner are 'untouchable' at Grand Slams. Alcaraz also expressed surprise that Sinner is playing at the Monte Carlo Masters after competing in Indian Wells and Miami.
Alcaraz added that he missed playing on clay. Whether Alcaraz and Sinner will face each other in the Monte Carlo Masters final remains to be determined as the tournament progresses.