Jannik Sinner is chasing down the world number one spot after impressive performances in Indian Wells and Miami.
The Italian surrendered the world number one spot last year to Carlos Alcaraz after losing the US Open final, but now finds himself within striking distance of the Spaniard.
Sinner has closed the gap to Alcaraz significantly over the past month after securing tournament victories in Indian Wells and Miami.
The 23-year-old has the opportunity to snatch the world number one spot away from Alcaraz when he competes in the Monte Carlo Masters next week; and who would bet against him doing so?
Will Jannik Sinner overtake Carlos Alcaraz and become world number one? 🤔
If so, when will he do it?
How can Jannik Sinner reclaim the world number one spot?
There are a number of scenarios in which Jannik Sinner would reclaim the world number one spot from Carlos Alcaraz.
The most dramatic scenario would be a meeting in the Monte Carlo final. If Sinner were to beat Alcaraz in the final, he would reclaim the world number one position.
The ATP top five
- Carlos Alcaraz: 13,590
- Jannik Sinner: 12,400
- Alexander Zverev: 5,205
- Novak Djokovic: 4,720
- Lorenzo Musetti: 4,265
This is because Sinner would gain 1000 ATP ranking points, while Alcaraz would lose 350 [he won the 2025 Monte Carlo title.]
Sinner would also usurp Alcaraz if he reaches the final in Monte Carlo and Alcaraz loses in the semi-finals.
While Alcaraz has been a dominant force on the Tour in recent years, there is always the chance that he will suffer an early exit, as demonstrated by his recent losses to Daniil Medvedev and Sebastian Korda in Indian Wells and Miami, respectively.
Sinner would also overtake Alcaraz if he reaches the semi-finals and the Spaniard does not.
Of course, reclaiming the world number one ranking is easier said than done; and Alcaraz is undoubtedly the favourite for the Monte Carlo title after having extra time to recuperate and prepare for the event.
However, Sinner’s form has been imperious, and one should not count him out.
Jannik Sinner’s last appearance in Monte-Carlo
Jannik Sinner last competed at the Monte Carlo Masters in 2024, reaching the semi-finals.
Sinner defeated Sebastian Korda, Jan-Lennard Struff and Holger Rune before losing to Stefanos Tsitsipas in the semi-finals: 4-6, 6-3, 4-6.
After beating the Italian, Tsitsipas said: “It was one of the best first sets I have played on clay. So much consistency and great quality of shot-making. Just pure, clean game from start to finish. I was playing as equally good on the cross as I was playing on the down-the-line.
“It was a great feeling to be kind of in the zone right from the beginning.
“It was important that I started the game like this to give myself a chance also in the third set, because, you know, I feel like my opponent knew that I had that level and I could play that any time so he, in a way, had to be careful of being consistent with me.”
Tsitsipas went on to win the title, beating Casper Ruud in the final.
As for Sinner, he has never won the Monte Carlo title. In fact, he has never reached the final.
The Italian is one of the best clay-court players on the planet, despite winning only one clay-court title in his career so far.
Will Jannik Sinner complete the Career Grand Slam at Roland Garros this year? 🤔
If not, who do you think will win Roland Garros?
It is surely only a matter of time before Sinner lifts the Monte Carlo trophy.
