Sinner sets up Zverev semi-final at Monte Carlo

Jannik Sinner remains on course for a possible clash with Carlos Alcaraz in the final Jannik Sinner cruised past Felix Auger-Aliassime to set up a semi-final with Alexander Zverev in the Monte Carlo Masters. The Italian second seed defeated his Canadian opponent 6-3 6-4 to extend his winning streak in Masters 1000 events to 20 matches - a run during which he has lifted titles at Paris, Indian Wells and Miami. "I feel like it was a step forwards today," said Sinner, who dropped a set at a Masters event for the first time in 186 days during his last-16 win against Tomas Machac .

"It was a very tough match. I knew I had to get better in certain areas. The serve is not there yet, where I would love it, but all things considered I'm very happy.

"But in any case, very happy to be back in the semis. " Sinner can replace Carlos Alcaraz as the world number one when the rankings are updated on Monday by winning the Monte Carlo tournament. Germany's Zverev will be the 24-year-old's next opponent after the world number three battled past Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca 7-5 6-7 (3-7) 6-3 in the quarter-final.

Reigning champion and top seed Alcaraz, meanwhile, booked his last-four place following a 6-3 6-0 win against Alexander Bublik. The seven-time Grand Slam champion will face the winner of Friday's other quarter-final tie between fifth seed Alex de Minaur and Valentin Vacherot.