Collision course: Jannik Sinner talks strategy and respect for Carlos Alcaraz before Monte‑Carlo
Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images Jannik Sinner has booked his spot in the Monte-Carlo Masters final for the first time, cruising past Alexander Zverev in impressive fashion. The 2026 event is the year’s opening clay-court Masters, and Sinner put on a clinic against Zverev, winning 6-1, 6-4 to move within a victory of his first title at this level on clay. With that win, he’s now one step closer to returning to the top of the rankings – though Carlos Alcaraz currently holds that title.
If they end up meeting in the final, it would be their first showdown of the season. Alcaraz got through Valentin Vacherot and into the final, setting up their first clash of 2026. Speaking after his semi-final win, Sinner was asked about facing Alcaraz.
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Sinner looks ahead to possible Alcaraz showdown In his post-match interview, Sinner spoke about the challenge ahead, saying: “Yeah, you know, he has a tough match now. “Valentin continues to show what he’s capable of, especially here playing with the home crowd, even though Carlos is the favourite on that one. “So, assuming he wins, I’m looking forward to it.
These are matches why I practice for, why I wake up, and it’s great to have at least one match before Roland Garros against him. “So that’s for sure a big test for me. But at the same time, I have nothing to lose.
Coming here and making it to the final means a lot to me. “So I, of course, try to push as much as I can tomorrow in the last day. But now it’s most important to rest.