Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will meet each other for the first time this season in the Monte-Carlo final.
A clutch performance from Alcaraz means the Spaniard will play for a second consecutive title in Monaco as he defeated home hope Valentin Vacherot 6-4 6-4.
In the final Alcaraz will play closer rival Sinner after the Italian destroyed Alexander Zverev 6-1 6-4.
The meeting will be the first between them this season with the world number one ranking on the line.
It’s a match that Alcaraz is looking forward to after a stern test from Vacherot, “For me, I’m just happy to win this really difficult match against Valentin,” Alcaraz told the ATP website.
“He’s playing great tennis with a lot of confidence right now, playing in his hometown. It was really tough to get the win, but I’m really excited about my first meeting with Jannik in 2026. I think it’s the dream spot for everyone I would say. I’m fighting for a second Monte-Carlo title, he’s fighting for his first one. It’s going to be a really special one.
“The No. 1 is on the line, which will make tomorrow even more special.”
Meanwhile a third consecutive win for Sinner over Zverev at a Masters 1000 semi-final means the Italian is into his first final at Monte-Carlo.
Ahead of the final with Alcaraz Sinner admits he has nothing to lose in what should be a titanic clash, “I have nothing to lose,” Sinner stated to the ATP website.
“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. Now the most important thing is to rest. It was a good performance from my side, and tomorrow is going to be a tough one.”
Their last clay court meeting saw Alcaraz save multiple championship points as he lifted the Roland Garros crown in dramatic circumstances.
Meanwhile, Sinner won the last meeting where the world number one ranking was on the line at the Nitto ATP Finals.
