Carlos Alcaraz confirmed his spot in the Monte-Carlo Masters final by defeating Valentin Vacherot in straight sets.
The Spaniard comfortably won 6-4 6-4 against Vacherot, who was willed on by a raucous hometown crowd.
Alcaraz will now face Jannik Sinner in the final, which will be their first competitive meeting of the 2026 season.
The world number one has given his thoughts on having to face Sinner for the first time since the 2025 ATP Finals.
Carlos Alcaraz reacts to having to face Jannik Sinner in Monte-Carlo
Alcaraz and Sinner’s match will not only be for the Monte-Carlo title, but the world number one spot will be on the line.
If Sinner defeats his great rival, he will also become the world number one for the first time since the 2025 season.
Who wins the Monte-Carlo Masters final?
Alcaraz is relishing the chance to play Sinner for the 17th time in their already glittering careers.
Speaking on-court after his win against Vacherot, he said: “It’s the dream spot for everyone. I’m fighting for my second Monte-Carlo title, he’s fighting for his first one. It’s going to be a really special one, the world number one is on the line.
“It will make tomorrow even more special. For me, I’m just really happy to win this really difficult match against Valentin. I think he played really great tennis, he’s really confident right now.
“Playing in his home town, it was really tough but for me I’m really excited for my first meeting with Jannik in 2026. First final, let’s see how it’s going to be tomorrow, but I’m really excited about it.”
Alcaraz is also looking to defend his Monte-Carlo Masters title, as he lifted the trophy for the first time in 2025.
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz’s head-to-head record
Sinner and Alcaraz’s rivalry is far and away the most enthralling the ATP Tour has offered up since the days of the ‘Big Three’.
The Spaniard has a winning record against Sinner, with 10 victories from their 16 matches on the ATP Tour so far.
Carlos Alcaraz concedes Jannik Sinner will become world number one!
Will it happen this week in Monte Carlo?
Their last five matches has seen Alcaraz secure three wins, but Sinner has the bragging rights from their last match together.
The Italian defeated Alcaraz in straight sets to win the ATP Finals to pick up his sixth win against the Spaniard.
Alcaraz and Sinner met in three of the four Grand Slam finals last year, with the Italian’s only victory coming at Wimbledon.
