For a second consecutive week, meticulous preparation formed the backbone of Jannik Sinner’s breakthrough Monte Carlo Masters success when his defeat of Carlos Alcaraz in Sunday’s final not only returned him to the summit of the world rankings but also sent out an early signal for the remainder of the clay season. Sinner was widely set to miss Monte Carlo after completing the "Sunshine Double," winning hardcourt titles at Indian Wells and Miami, to recharge his batteries but the 24-year-old Italian wanted to
Carlos Alcaraz said he would welcome the chance to soil his socks on clay again as the world number one re-acquainted himself with his favoured surface in Monaco this week to try and generate some momentum for his French Open title defence. Alcaraz secured his fifth Grand Slam title by defeating Jannik Sinner in an epic final at Roland Garros last June, with victories on the clay courts of Monte Carlo and Rome and a second-place finish in Barcelona to bring his 2025




