Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will meet for the first time in 2026 in this afternoon’s Monte Carlo Masters final with not only the title on the line but also the world No 1 spot.
Sinner has enjoyed a sparkling recent spell of form – becoming the first man since Novak Djokovic to reach the first three Masters 1000 finals in a season, having already lifted the trophy at Indian Wells and Miami. He is on a 21-match winning streak at the Masters 1000 level and if that stretches to 22 this afternoon, he will leapfrog Alcaraz as world No 1.
The Spaniard hasn’t exactly been struggling this season himself – winning the first major of the year, the Australian Open, as well as the Qatar Open – and ended the run of home favourite Valentin Vacherot 6-4 6-4 in the semi-finals to set up this clash. Meanwhile Sinner dominated third seed Alexander Zverev 6-1 6-4 without facing even a single break point.
Alcaraz leads Sinner 10-6 in their rivalry, which is coming to define this era of men’s tennis, although it was the Italian who won their most recent match-up with a straight-sets victory in the ATP Finals back in November.
Here’s everything you need to know about the clash:
When is Carlos Alcaraz v Jannik Sinner
The Monte Carlo Masters men’s final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner is due to start at 2pm BST (UK time) on Sunday 12 April. It follows the men’s doubles final, which starts three hours prior, so there is a small chance the clash could be delayed slightly if that game goes long.
How can I watch?
That match will be live on Sky Sports, with coverage beginning on Sky Sports Tennis at 2pm BST and Sky Sport + joining the action from 2.30pm BST, following the conclusion of Birmingham City v Wrexham in the Championship.
Fans can subscribe to Sky, or use NOW with a day or month pass.
Alcaraz v Sinner head to head
Alcaraz leads the head to head between the players 10-6, although Sinner claimed a 7-6 7-5 triumph in their most recent meeting at the ATP Finals last November. Last year saw Alcaraz beat Sinner in both the US Open and French Open finals but the Italian came out on top in four sets in the Wimbledon final.
They first met back in 2021, when Alcaraz was a 7-6 7-5 winner in the last 32 of the Paris Masters, although sinner got his revenge in their second meeting at Wimbledon the following summer.
What have Alcaraz and Sinner said?
Alcaraz is excited to face his fierce rival for the first time this season, especially as it comes in a final.
“I think it’s the dream spot for everyone I would say,” explained the Spaniard. “I’m fighting for a second Monte Carlo title, he’s fighting for his first one. The number one is on the line, which will make tomorrow it more special.
“I’m just happy to win a really difficult match against Valentin. He’s playing great tennis with a lot of confidence right now, playing in his home town. It was really tough to get the win, but I’m really excited about my first meeting with Jannik in 2026.”
Meanwhile, Sinner reflected on a well-earned win over Zverev in the semi-finals, limiting his opponent’s chances and making a statement on clay.
“I’m very happy,” said Sinner. “We came here trying to give myself some feedback [on clay] and now finding myself in the final means a lot to me.
“When you are a break up straight away, it changes the dynamic of the match. I have nothing to lose. Coming here and making the final means a lot to me, so of course I will try to push as much as I can tomorrow on the last day.”
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