Jannik Sinner is into yet another Master 1000 semi-final, brushing aside Felix Auger-Aliassime earlier today to secure his safe passage into that round.
It marks the fourth straight event where he has made it to this stage, having won the previous three after getting this far.
For the rest of the field, and particularly Alexander Zverev, it makes for daunting reading.
To emphasise just how special what Jannik Sinner is currently doing, OptaAce have now published a fresh statistic that places him just behind, and swiftly closing in, on the Big Three.
Jannik Sinner joins Big Three after reaching Monte Carlo semi-finals
Posting on X straight after the result had been confirmed, they detailed how Sinner is now actually ahead of Pete Sampras in a key Masters 1000 statistic.
After all, before the match against Auger-Aliassime, he sat tied with the American on 19 consecutive wins at this level of tournaments. Now, having added another victory here at the Monte Carlo Masters, that bumps Sinner up to 20.
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Only three have enjoyed better win streaks than him: rather unsurprisingly, Rafael Nadal (23), Roger Federer (29) and Novak Djokovic (31).
Sinner is creeping closer to overtaking Carlos Alcaraz as the world number one, and should he win the title, that result would be confirmed.
Alexander Zverev gifted opportunity to end unwanted Jannik Sinner streak
In beating Auger-Aliassime to reach the semi-finals, Sinner has set up yet another clash with Zverev.
It will mark their third of the 2026 season already, all of which have come in the semi-finals of events.
The first, at Indian Wells, saw the former world number one brush the German aside, winning 6-2, 6-4.
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Then, although Zverev put in an improved display in Miami, he suffered the same fate, this time losing 6-4, 7-6.
He will be desperate to end this streak and the seven-match losing run he is currently enduring against Sinner.
Zverev has not beaten the four-time Grand Slam champion since 2023.
