The Monte Carlo Masters could be a pivotal tournament in Jannik Sinner’s season if the Italian is able to lift the trophy in seven days’ time.
Sinner enters his first clay event in 2026 high in confidence after achieving the rare sunshine double – winning back-to-back titles in Indian Wells and Miami. He is currently on a 12-match winning streak and hasn’t dropped a set in any of those encounters. Overall, his win-loss record for the season stands at 19-2.
Despite his success, clay is a surface where the world No.2 has yet to win a major title. He currently has 26 ATP trophies under his belt, but only one of them was won on clay. That was back in 2022 when he beat Carlos Alcaraz in what was the first Tour-level final between the two.
“I do like to play on clay, but it’s not my favourite surface,” Sinner told reporters in Monte Carlo. “I do believe I can play some good tennis.
“I haven’t won any [Masters 1000 clay events] yet, but I’ve been close here a couple of times. I can’t predict the future, but it would be nice to win here… It’s a tournament I love to play and I’m happy to be here.”
Last season, the 24-year-old came close to a major breakthrough on the dirt after reaching the final of both the Italian Masters and French Open. In both of those encounters, he was beaten by Alcaraz.
There is also an extra incentive for Sinner in Monte Carlo, who could exit the tournament as world No.1 again. At the start of this year’s draw, there are just 190 points between him and Alcaraz, who has held the top position since November. The only way for Sinner to return to world No.1 without relying on Alcaraz’s results is to win the title.
“I’m aware of the scenarios… but when you’re a top player you aim to win trophies,” Sinner commented. “I watch more the Race as that shows you how someone has been playing during the year.”
Even if he fails to dethrone Alcaraz, the Italian will have plenty of chances to return to the top over the coming weeks due to his rival having 4000 points to defend.
Sinner, who has a bye in the first round, will start his campaign against either 17-year-old rising star Moïse Kouamé or Ugo Humbert. In his section of the draw, Francisco Cerundolo and Stefanos Tsitsipas are potential third round opponents. Then in the quarter-finals, he could face either Casper Ruud or Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Sinner is also playing in the doubles tournament alongside Zizou Bergs. They will play their first round match later today against Ruud and Tomas Machac.
