Jannik Sinner is into the quarter-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters, but his most recent match was far from smooth.
After all, despite racing into a one-set lead against Tomas Machac, he inexplicably suffered a drop-off in the second, with his opponent capitalising to claim the set.
Fortunately for the Italian, his energy returned, and he closed out the match, setting up a quarter-final encounter with Felix Auger-Aliassime.
And, in reaching that stage and racking up yet another consecutive Masters 1000 victory, Jannik Sinner has joined superstars like Pete Sampras and Novak Djokovic on a rather elite list.
Jannik Sinner matches incredible Big Three achievement at Monte Carlo
If it does feel like an age since Sinner lost a Masters 1000 match, that’s likely because it was.
The last match the former world number one lost at an event of this magnitude was in Shanghai, back in October. Since then, he has won titles in Paris, Miami and Indian Wells, and is on track for another final here in Monaco.
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As such, by beating Machac, he recorded his 19th straight victory at this level, joining a list that had previously comprised just four people beforehand.
It now reads: Novak Djokovic (three occasions), Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Pete Sampras and Jannik Sinner.
It’s just the latest legendary triumph for the 24-year-old, who will have grand aspirations of enjoying a dominant clay-court campaign after being forced to watch from the sidelines for the bulk of 2025.
Sinner can also overtake Carlos Alcaraz as the world number one at this ongoing tournament as well, adding extra incentive for him to push for the title.
Jannik Sinner’s biggest worry emerges again despite win over Tomas Machac
Whilst Sinner did eventually claim the win against Machac, there was another worrying moment mid-match which forced him to take a medical time-out.
Then, afterwards, the four-time Grand Slam champion admitted he was ‘struggling’, and hoped that he could ‘recover’ for today’s match.
This marks the continuation of a rather worrying trend for Sinner, who has often suffered from bouts of exhaustion.
Usually, he cruises through matches with such ease that longevity often does not matter.
However, in the Australian Open, he nearly suffered an early exit to Eliott Spizzirri whilst dealing with cramps, similar to the ones he had in Shanghai.
Carlos Alcaraz concedes Jannik Sinner will become world number one!
Will it happen this week in Monte Carlo?
Even in Cincinnati, an illness actually forced him to retire from the final against Alcaraz.
It’s worrying that, despite his incredible dominance, this trend continues.
