Back on the throne: Jannik Sinner reacts after toppling Carlos Alcaraz for world no.1

Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP via Getty Images

Jannik Sinner beat Carlos Alcaraz in the Monte-Carlo Final, reclaiming the world no. 1 ranking

Jannik Sinner is the new champion in Monte Carlo, having dethroned Carlos Alcaraz in today’s showpiece final.

This was the matchup tennis fans had been waiting for all year, as Sinner and Alcaraz hadn’t played each other yet in 2026.

But with swirling conditions and high winds playing a role throughout, neither player found their rhythm, and the match didn’t quite live up to expectations.

It was another important step forward for Sinner on clay, taking his first major trophy on the surface and also regaining the world number one ranking from his rival. He spoke after the match about what it meant to add this title to his growing collection.

Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

Jannik Sinner reacts after Monte-Carlo triumph

Sinner began by saying he needed a moment to collect his thoughts, explaining how stunned he was by what he had just achieved.

He said: “I don’t know where to start, honestly. We came here trying to get as many matches as possible, having good feedback before the big tournaments coming up.”

Reflecting on the match, Sinner added: “Today was not a very high level from both of us. It was windy. Very different conditions to what the tournament has brought until today.

“But the result was amazing. Getting back to number one means a lot to me, but at the same time, the ranking is secondary.

“I am very happy to win at least one big trophy on this surface. I have not done it before, so it means a lot to me.”

Sinner also touched on the challenging conditions: “I felt close on the return games. I had a feeling the new balls help me, the ball change was at 2-1. I tried to stay there mentally. To keep pushing and pushing. I felt a bit tired, so I tried to keep up with the mentality and having this trophy with me now means a lot to me.”

Carlos Alcaraz put in extra work on his serve leading into this final, but despite taking early leads in both sets, he couldn’t hold onto either one.

Carlos Alcaraz responds to Jannik Sinner matching tennis history

There was never any doubt that Carlos Alcaraz would handle the loss graciously, as he gave a respectful speech after finishing second.

Despite how tough the defeat must have felt, especially given the conditions and the stakes, he took time to praise Sinner.

Alcaraz said: “As far as I am concerned, the Sunshine double and then Monte Carlo. You are the second one to achieve it, and it is something incredible.

“I just explained how difficult it is to make that happen, so congratulations for everything. For the work you are doing with your team.”

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