Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are going head-to-head for the world number one ranking this week in Monte Carlo.
Alcaraz has spent 22 weeks at the top, but his position is under threat depending on how both players perform during the tournament.
Both have started well – Sinner eased past Ugo Humbert 6-3, 6-0, while Alcaraz followed up with a convincing 6-3, 6-1 win over Sebastian Baez.
After his victory over Baez, Alcaraz spoke about what it means to be in another fight for the top spot.
Alcaraz admits Sinner is on track to become world number one
“To be honest, I’m going to lose the number-one of the world,” said Alcaraz.
“I don’t know if it’s going to be in this tournament or the next one.
“I’m defending a bunch of points, it’s going to be really difficult to defend all [of them].
“Even if I defend them, Jannik [Sinner] is going to add some points in these tournaments, and he doesn’t have points to defend.
“I will try to play my best, and let’s see what happens, for me the number one is not in my mind right now, I’m just trying to feel as good as I can on clay.”
Sinner missed the start of last year’s clay-court season due to suspension and therefore has fewer points to defend than Alcaraz in 2026.
The Spaniard also discussed how much he enjoyed being back on clay after a long time away from the surface. He said:
“It’s been almost one year since the last match I played on clay, to be honest, I missed it,” he said.
Alcaraz will hope for another strong showing when he faces either Tomas Martin Etcheverry or Terence Atmane in round three.
Jamie Murray says Carlos Alcaraz looked sharp and dangerous in Baez win
Speaking on Sky Sports after the match, doubles specialist Jamie Murray gave his thoughts on Alcaraz’s start to the tournament.
“Great start to the clay-court season for Carlitos Alcaraz,” he said.
“Very strong performance, very dangerous with the forehand throughout the match, causing a lot of damage.
“[Sebastian] Baez tried to make a fist of it, but it was a bit too late.
“Tougher tests for Carlos to come, but he’s looking focused, that’s for sure.
Murray also pointed out how quickly Alcaraz settled into his first clay-court match of the season.
“Baez might have thought there was maybe a chance to catch him a bit off guard, first match on clay, first match in the tournament,” he said.
“But he [Alcaraz] was on it right from the beginning.
The world number one will be back in action soon as he continues his Monte Carlo campaign. His next test comes against either Tomas Martin Etcheverry or Terence Atmane in round three. That match is expected to be played on Thursday 16 April 2026.
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