Monte-Carlo Masters – how Sinner can reclaim world No. 1 ranking
As players switch from the hard surface to red clay, could we also see a switch in the top-ranked men’s singles player? The short answer is yes: Sinner could reclaim the No. 1 ranking spot for the first time since November 2025.
First, the Monte-Carlo second seed must at least reach the semi-finals in Monaco, otherwise Alcaraz returns home for the Spanish tournaments in Barcelona and Madrid as No. 1.
From thereon, Sinner can outperform his rival and claim the top spot – for example, if he were to reach the ATP Masters 1000 final and Alcaraz did not. That also applies to the final and a possible earliest showdown on Court Rainier III on Sunday (12 April).
To avoid worrying about permutations, Sinner can focus on winning his maiden Monte-Carlo title – victory in the final would return the 24-year-old to the summit of the ATP rankings come next week.
The world No. 2 currently holds a 19-2 record in the 2025 campaign going into the clay swing, yet he has just one tour-level title on the surface. That came four years ago at the ATP 250 event in Umag, against none other than Alcaraz.
There is plenty more tennis to play across the season, though what a boost it would be for Italy’s history maker to reclaim his ranking crown at this stage. With two trophies from his last two outings, Sinner will go for a Masters hat-trick in Monte-Carlo.