Carlos Alcaraz’s reign as the Monte Carlo champion came to an end on Sunday.
Alcaraz, who was looking to win his second consecutive title in Monaco, was defeated 6-7, 3-6 by Jannik Sinner in the Monte Carlo final.
Should Carlos Alcaraz hire another coach after his recent results?
If so, who should he hire? 🤔
Sinner has now reclaimed the world number one spot from Alcaraz – returning to the top spot for the first time since November.
Despite surrendering the world number one position, Alcaraz should not panic.
Carlos Alcaraz could return to the world number one spot very soon
Carlos Alcaraz has an immediate opportunity to return to the world number one spot.
This week, the Spaniard is competing in the Barcelona Open. If Alcaraz wins the event for a third time, he will reclaim the world number one spot from Jannik Sinner.
Alcaraz would gain 170 ATP ranking points if he wins the title in Barcelona. This would take his total to 13,410 – 60 points ahead of Jannik Sinner.
ATP top five
- Jannik Sinner: 13,350
- Carlos Alcaraz: 13,240
- Alexander Zverev: 5,555
- Novak Djokovic: 4,710
- Felix Auger-Aliassime: 4,100
Alcaraz has the opportunity to gain points in Barcelona because of his loss in the 2025 final.
Last year, Alcaraz defeated Alex de Minaur and Arthur Fils on his way to the final, before losing to Holger Rune in straight sets.
Rune will not be competing in Barcelona this year as he is continuing to recover from a serious achilles injury.
Returning to Alcaraz, if the 22-year-old were to win the title in Barcelona once again, Sinner would have the opportunity to reclaim the world number one spot again at the Madrid Open.
However, it remains to be seen whether Sinner will participate in Madrid. After triumphing in Monte Carlo, the Italian said he would take two or three days off before deciding whether to play the event.
How Carlos Alcaraz reacted after losing the 2025 Barcelona Open final
Holger Rune defeated Alcaraz 7-6, 6-2 in the 2025 Barcelona Open final, securing a first title at the event.
Rune, who broke the Spaniard’s serve on three occasions during the match, admitted that he had taken inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s victory against Alcaraz in the 2024 Olympic final.
“I told myself OK, what did Novak do when he beat him?” Rune said, as per BBC Sport.
Should Carlos Alcaraz hire another coach after his recent results?
If so, who should he hire? 🤔
“I kind of played it in my mind, the Olympic final, and I thought to myself let’s try to play that kind of style, really make him play a lot of balls.
“I’m really happy about how I stayed composed when it really mattered. I was also very brave when it mattered.”
Alcaraz, meanwhile, praised his opponent’s level, admitting that he was ‘not surprised’ by how well Rune had played.
“Losing is never easy, even less so in a final here,” said Alcaraz, as per the ATP Tour.
“But I have to give credit to Holger, he played an exceptional match, very well organised. He knew what he had to do at all times.
Last five Barcelona Open champions
- 2025: Holger Rune
- 2024: Casper Ruud
- 2023: Carlos Alcaraz
- 2022: Carlos Alcaraz
- 2021: Rafael Nadal
“I’m not surprised by his level, but I am by his discipline. He didn’t have any ups and downs, he was very professional. From start to finish he was very clear on what he had to do and he went for it.”
“I let him off a few times and that hurt me at the end of the match.
“But, in general, I played a final in Barcelona, and I’m leaving here proud to have given my all.”
