The Spaniard is the defending champion after securing the title last year, but he now has to contend with an in-form Sinner, with the pair now established as the sport\u2019s pre-eminent pair, with a long rivalry predicted.<\/p>\n
Sinner recently landed the ‘Sunshine Double’ – winning both Indian Wells and the Miami Open<\/a>.<\/p>\n Alcaraz had anticipated that the Italian would take a break after that success, given it came relatively early in the season.<\/p>\n Instead, he has elected to move onto the event in Monaco to start his clay-court action, with the build-up proper getting away for the French Open, which is live on TNT Sports and HBO Max<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Monte Carlo tournament is a Masters 1000 event, but it is the only one that is not obligatory for players, so it presents itself as an opportunity for a break ahead of other big events coming up.<\/p>\n ‘Both are very difficult’ – Sinner compares winning ‘Sunshine Double’ to Grand Slams<\/p>\n Video credit: SNTV<\/p>\n Ben Shelton and Tommy Paul both made that decision, but Alcaraz thinks that Sinner is looking to maintain his excellent form, and is ready to meet him.<\/p>\n \u201dHonestly, I was surprised that Jannik, after the Indian Wells and Miami tour, came to play in Monte Carlo. But obviously, this shows what he is capable of doing right now,” Alcaraz told Sky Sports.<\/p>\n “Hopefully, we can play here in Monte Carlo. Who knows? This year, we didn\u2019t even play one time yet. Hopefully, it happens in the clay season.<\/p>\n A win for Sinner in the principality would also give the 24-year-old the No. 1 ranking regardless of Alcaraz\u2019s performance. There are other routes for him to grab the top spot, too. A semi-final finish would be sufficient if Alcaraz did not reach the quarters, and a loss in the final would be sufficient provided Alcaraz failed to reach the last two.<\/p>\n Both players have byes into the second round. Sinner meets Ugo Humbert, and Alcaraz will face the winner of Stan Wawrinka against Sebastian Baez. With the two players on the opposite sides of the draw, the only chance of them meeting will be if they go all the way to the final.<\/p>\n Highlights: Sinner overcomes Medvedev to win maiden Indian Wells title<\/p>\n Video credit: SNTV<\/p>\n Despite coming to Monaco as the defending champion, Alcaraz claimed that his focus is on making the most of this year\u2019s event, and getting back on clay, rather than retaining the title above all else.<\/p>\n![\"picture\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image-b44a67be-b0ed-46fb-95d6-27bd61d8a6f2-85-2560-1440.jpeg\")
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