Jannik Sinner is looking to reclaim the world number one spot in Monte Carlo.
The Italian, who did not participate in the 2025 event due to a suspension, is 1,190 ATP ranking points behind world number one Carlos Alcaraz.
Sinner could overtake Alcaraz and become the world number one, should he outperform the Spaniard in Monaco.
Will Jannik Sinner overtake Carlos Alcaraz and become world number one? 🤔
If so, when will he do it?
One area of Sinner’s game that could help him emerge from Monte Carlo as the world number one is his serve, which has been firing on all cylinders ever since an uninspiring serving performance in the 2025 US Open final.
An aspect of Sinner’s serve has been particularly potent this year, and this factor could make the difference in Monte Carlo.
Jannik Sinner’s ace numbers have almost doubled in 2026
As per Tennis Abstract, Jannik Sinner has significantly improved his serve this year; particularly his first serve.
Last year, the Italian made 62 per cent of his first serves, winning 79.4 per cent of those points.
This year, Sinner has improved both of these metrics, making 67.3 per cent of his first serves and winning 81.7 per cent of those points.
However, the most startling improvement has been Sinner’s ace production.
The 24-year-old is recording an ace rate of 16.8 per cent this year – up 7.5 per cent from his 2025 average.
| Statistical Area [%] | 2025 | 2026 |
| Ace Rate | 8.9 | 16.4 |
| Double Fault Rate | 2 | 1.9 |
| First Serve Percentage | 62 | 67.3 |
| First Serve Points Won | 79.4 | 81.7 |
| Second Serve Points Won | 59.1 | 57.2 |
| Service Points Won | 71.7 | 73.7 |
In fact, the only serving metric in which Sinner’s production has decreased is his second-serve points won.
If Sinner can continue to post these numbers, he may well win the Monte Carlo Masters and return to the world number one spot.
The Italian has already begun his Monte Carlo campaign, defeating Ugo Humbert 6-3, 6-0 on Tuesday.
Sinner struck six aces against Humbert, winning 91 per cent of his first-serve points.
The Italian is set to play Francisco Cerundolo or Tomas Machac in round three, which will take place on Thursday.
Jannik Sinner makes a smart decision
Sinner and Zizou Bergs had been scheduled to play Manuel Guinard and Guido Andreozzi in the Monte Carlo Men’s Doubles second round.
However, on Tuesday, the pair’s withdrawal from the event was confirmed.
This represents a smart decision by both Sinner and Bergs as both players can now fully focus on their singles campaigns.
Sinner is yet to play his third-round match in Monte Carlo. Bergs has already booked his place in the Monte Carlo fourth round after defeating former finalist Andrey Rublev, 6-4, 6-1.
Bergs will face Alexander Zverev in the next round after the German narrowly defeated Cristian Garin in round three.
