Photo credit: Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters Facebook
Whipping winds sent flags flapping in a frenzy above the stadium.
On the court below, Jannik Sinner calmly reorganized world order.
A streaking Sinner surged through the final five games dethroning defending-champion Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(5), 6-3 to capture his maiden Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters crown and supplant the Spaniard as world No. 1.
“It means a lot to me, for sure, at the same time important matches are coming up,” Sinner told Tennis Channel’s Prakash Amritraj afterward. “Of course next is Rome and then Paris.
“It means a lot to me being back in the top spot and then we will see how it goes.”
In a rematch of the Roland Garros final, Sinner battled back from a break down in both sets to beat Alcaraz on red clay for the first time since the 2022 Umag final.
It’s a milestone Masters moment for Sinner, who joins Novak Djokovic (2015) as just the second man in history to win Indian Wells, Miami and Monte-Carlo in the same season—surrendering just one set along the way—in the same season, stretching his Masters 1000 winning streak to 22 matches.
Sinner scored his 17th straight win, while snapping Alcaraz’s 17-match clay-court winning streak that featured clay finals wins over the Italian in Rome and Paris last year.
When Alcaraz’s final return sailed deep, Sinner seized the title and world No. 1 in a two hour, 15-minute triumph.
“Great job,” Alcaraz said as the rivals embraced at net.
Ultimately, Sinner scored one more service break, beating Alcaraz twice in a row for the first time since 2023 in his home away from home court. Sinner improved to 24-2 in 2026, defeating Alcaraz for the seventh time in 17 meetings.
“For me living here and living this moment, it means a lot to me,” Sinner said. “Of course Carlos congrats to you and your team. You are doing amazing things year after year. You showed why you are the player you are achieving things no other player has achieved at your age….I wish you all the best for the rest of the season.
It is Sinner’s 27th career championship—his first clay-court Masters 1000 crown—and propels him back to the top of tennis. When the new ATP rankings are released tomorrow, Sinner will celebrate his 67th week as world No. 1 after ending Alcaraz’s 66-week run in the top spot.
The 24-year-old Italian tamed a tricky wind and tempestuous opponent at the Monte-Carlo Country Club where he frequently trains. Sinner managed conditions more effectively as Alcaraz was his own worst enemy at times. Alcaraz double-faulted away the first set, squandered a 3-1 second-set lead, including blowing a 40-Love lead to lose serve and saw Sinner neuter one his best weapons, the drop shot, as the match progressed.
“Of course I need to start with Jannik. It’s impressive what you’re achieving right now,” Alcaraz said. “You are the second one to achieve the Sunshine Double and Monte-Carlo [titles].
“It’s something incredible. Congratulations for everything—for the work you are doing with your team.”
Though the wayward wind played a pivotal part in this final drama, Alcaraz will be disappointed by the fact he led by a break in both sets, lost the plot on serve at times and saw Sinner detect and deconstruct his dropper as the match progressed.
“For sure a little bit more difficult; there was very much wind, very breezy,” Sinner said. “I tried to keep up a good mentality I think that was a key.
“Not being the sun out the ball was less bouncy and that helped me out for sure. Started out a bit tight, but of course breaking back straightaway gave me confidence. If he started 3-0, it’s a much different story. I’m happy about this match and the whole week.”