Photo Credit; Getty Images
Jannik Sinner has reclaimed the world number one ranking after defeating Carlos Alcaraz 7-6 (7-5), 6-3 in the Monte Carlo Masters final. The victory over the defending champion marks the first time Sinner has held the top spot since early November. In a match characterized by difficult, windy conditions, both players combined for 83 unforced errors in their first meeting as the world’s top two ranked players since last year’s ATP Championship.
The win gives the 24-year-old Italian his third Masters 1000 title of the year having already triumphed at Indian Wells and Miami, and extends his winning run in Masters series events to 22 matches.
"It has been an interesting week trying to learn how to play again on clay," said Sinner.
"I came here trying to get as many matches as possible and I'm happy to win one big tournament on this surface.
"Having this trophy and getting back to number one means a lot to me.
"Today was a very high level from both of us. It was a bit breezy and different conditions to what we had played in this week."
After exchanging early breaks, neither player was really able to impose themselves on the match with both having to work hard at times to hold serve.
However, in the tie-break, Sinner upped his first serves and after squandering the first of two set points, an Alcaraz double fault gave him the initiative in the match.
Sinner started the second set sluggishly and had to come from 15-40 down in his opening service game before Alcaraz broke to go 2-1 ahead and hold for 3-1.
But the Italian managed to stay in the match as Alcaraz failed to dominate his service games, taking a 4-3 lead to put the pressure on his 22-year-old opponent, who had won 10 of their 16 previous encounters.
Another shaky service game from the Spaniard gave Sinner another break point, and from there he made no mistake, quickly wrapping up his 27th ATP Tour victory.
