Superb Sinner drops Alcaraz to return to ATP No. 1

Jannik Sinner will take back the No. 1 ranking on Monday after winning his fourth consecutive Masters 1000 title with a 7-6 (5), 6-3 defeat of rival Carlos Acaraz.

The Italian’s win in two and a quarter hours as gusting winds began to play up at the seaside Monte Carlo Country Club has won the last four events in the elite series: Paris Indoors, Indian Wells, Miami and now in the principality for the first time.

The 24-year-old who began his sporting life as a child ski racer before picking up a racquet extended his current Masters win streak to 22 matches.

He joins Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal as the only players to win four consecutive Masters tournaments.

“I don;t know where to start,” Sinner said after victory, with Alcaraz sending a service return long on his opponent’s first match point.

“We came here hoping to play as many matches as possible and get some feedback (on his clay game).

“This is another amazing result,” he said after losing last May’s Roland Garros final in Paris to Alcaraz.

“To get back to No. 1 means a lot to me. But the ranking is secondary. I’m happy to win a big trophy on this surface.”

Sinner won the 74-minute opening set but trailed 3-1 in the second before breaking back for 3-all and repeating for 5-3 moments later.

“I always felt close on the return game,” Sinner said. “I think new balls helped me at 1-3.  I tried to stay strong mentally and kept pushing.”

Alcaraz, who stayed atop the rankings for 66 weeks, will drop to second but still leads the head-to-head 10-7.

Sinner claimed the 27th title of his career and third this season after the Australian Open and Doha.

Alcaraz was quick to praise his rival: “You have showed the world the work you and your team are doing,” said the Spanish defending champion. “It’s nice to see you winning in front of your family.

“This is not the ending we wanted but I’ve enjoyed every day here at the only one-week Masters tournament remaining. 

“We enjoyed every day on and off the court here.”

Main photo:- Jannik Sinner lifts Monte Carlo Open Trophy – by ATPTour.com