Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have both confirmed their place in the Monte-Carlo Masters semi-final and they are just one match away from their first clash of 2026.
Alcaraz plays Valentin Vacherot, while Sinner will be tested by Alexander Zverev in the Monte-Carlo Masters semi-final.
Alcaraz could lose his World No. 1 status to Sinner if the Italian betters his Spanish rival’s feats at the Masters event.
Despite world number one status being on the line, Paul Annacone and Coco Vandeweghe have claimed the two men will have another priority in Monte-Carlo.
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner claimed to have bigger aspirations than being world number one
Speaking on The Tennis Channel, legendary tennis coach Paul Annacone said Sinner and Alcaraz will care more about winning the tournament than the world number one spot.
Carlos Alcaraz concedes Jannik Sinner will become world number one!
Will it happen this week in Monte Carlo?
“At the forefront of both their minds is just trying to win the tournament this week. It’s a byproduct of what they’re doing,” he explained.
“I think most of the great players at this stage, if it’s not their first time touching number one, then they’re like ‘Whatever happens during the year happens’. Let me see what happens throughout my year.
“At the end of the year, I want to be number one, but right now, if I lose it, is that disappointment? Sure, but it’s not a big deal. It’s right now. It’s how do I win this tournament this week? That’s how I see it.”
That sentiment was also echoed by former American professional Vandeweghe, who joined the discussion.
Coco Vandeweghe makes bold claim about Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s race for world number one
Vandeweghe was in agreement with Annacone and even went as far to say that the world number one spot ‘doesn’t matter’ right now.
“I think the best thing that comes out of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner is their epic matchups. And it comes at Grand Slams. And that’s what they’re focused on,” said the US Open doubles champion.
Will Jannik Sinner overtake Carlos Alcaraz and become world number one? 🤔
If so, when will he do it?
“Not just beating the rest of the field, but when it comes to their mano a mano matchup, who comes out on top. Having not played yet this year is going to mean something when they show up and go against each other because that’s what we want to see in sports is the best two players in the world go after it.”
Sinner and Alcaraz have not played each other since the final of the ATP Finals, which was won by the Italian.
Vandeweghe believes Alcaraz and Sinner’s first match in months will be more important than who reaches the summit of the ATP Tour.
“Whether it’s one next to their name or two, it doesn’t matter. They just want to be having that Grand Slam title at the end of the week, or the biggest Masters 1000 next to their name.”
Alcaraz and Sinner have both won two tournaments so far this year, but they have missed each other in the draws.
