Alcaraz will be aiming to make a strong start to his clay-court season at the Monte Carlo Masters.
The defending champion has landed a favourable draw as he looks to retain his title in Monaco.
While Alcaraz has dropped two of his past three matches, Sinner heads into the tournament in top form, having recently completed the ‘Sunshine Double’ by winning both Indian Wells and Miami.
Over the last month, Sinner has logged quite a few more matches than Alcaraz. Across singles and doubles, Sinner played 13 matches in March, six more than Alcaraz managed.
“It honestly surprised me that Jannik, after Indian Wells and Miami, came to play in Monte Carlo,” Alcaraz said during his media duties ahead of the tournament.
“This shows the great physical condition he’s in, what he can do. I hope we can face each other here; we didn’t even play one time this season. I hope it happens in clay season!”
Sinner is set to open against France’s Hugo Humbert. The Frenchman beat Moise Kouame in his first-round match on Sunday to book a meeting with Sinner. Should Sinner get past him, he could face either Francisco Cerundolo or Stefanos Tsitsipas next.
On the other side of the draw, Alcaraz will take on either Sebastian Baez or Stan Wawrinka. Wawrinka is playing his final season before retirement and has spoken about wanting another chance to play against Alcaraz; the two even practised together before the event started.
Alcaraz praises Goffin’s winning record
Carlos Alcaraz didn’t let the moment pass him by, sticking around for David Goffin’s Monte Carlo send-off following the Belgian’s final appearance at the tournament.
After beating Ignacio Buse in his opening match, Goffin fell to American Emilio Nava in the second round. It was an emotional exit, marking another step toward the end of a long and respected career.
Goffin is one of just a handful of players who can claim a winning record over Alcaraz. The Spaniard took their first meeting at the 2021 Adelaide International, but since then, it’s been all Goffin.
The Belgian came out on top at both the 2022 Astana Open and again at Miami in 2025. Given how few can say they’ve beaten Alcaraz more than once, it’s a stat worth celebrating as he closes out his playing days.
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