Jannik Sinner began his clay-court season and bid to reclaim the world No 1 ranking by thrashing Ugo Humbert in 64 minutes in his opening match of the Monte Carlo Masters.
The Italian is in position to overtake his rival Carlos Alcaraz after winning the Sunshine Double of Indian Wells and the Miami Open back-to-back, achieving the feat without dropping a set.
He continued his streak at the Masters events with a 6-3 6-0 victory over the Frenchman Humbert, the No 34, in what was also Sinner’s first match on clay since last season’s French Open final defeat to Alcaraz.
“It was a good performance from my side," Sinner said. “The first tournament [on clay] is never easy. I come here with good feelings but at the same time not many expectations.”
Sinner enters the clay-court season with no points to defend until the Italian Open in May, having missed this stretch of the year last season due to his three-month doping suspension.
He will reclaim the No 1 ranking from Alcaraz, who is the defending champion in Monte Carlo, if he wins the title.
Alcaraz meanwhile, began his title defence with a 70-minute victory over Sebastian Baez, winning 6-1 6-3.
Intriguingly, Alcaraz has just started his 66th week as world No 1, moving the Spaniard level with Sinner. The 22-year-old won titles in Monte Carlo, Rome and Roland Garros last season, also losing the final in Barcelona.
“To be honest, I’m going to lose the No 1,” Alcaraz said. “I don’t know if it’s going to be in this tournament or the next one. I’m defending a bunch of points, it’s going to be difficult to defend them all.
“Even if I do, Jannik is going to add some points in these tournaments that he doesn’t have any to defend. I’m going to try my best and let’s see what happens. For me, the No 1 is not on my mind right now.”
Sinner will face either 16th seed Francisco Cerundolo or Tomas Machac in the second round. Alcaraz will play either Tomas Martin Etcheverry or Terence Atmane.
