Sinner replicates Djokovic to book Monte Carlo final clash with Alcaraz
Jannik Sinner reached his maiden Monte Carlo Masters final with a victory over world number three Alexander Zverev and, in doing so, matched a feat previously achieved only by Novak Djokovic.
On Saturday (April 11), Sinner defeated Zverev 6–1, 6–4 to set up a mouthwatering final against PIF ATP Rankings world number one Carlos Alcaraz, with the Spaniard defeating Monegasque Valentin Vacherot 6–4, 6–4 in his semi-final.
If Sinner beats Alcaraz tomorrow (April 12), he will leapfrog the 22-year-old in the world rankings, while the Spaniard can retain his world number one spot if he avoids defeat to the 24-year-old.
The tournament winner will pocket €974,370, with the runner-up set to receive €532,120.
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Despite having a final to look forward to, Sinner has already made history in the Principality by becoming just the fourth man to reach the final in the first three Masters 1000 events of a single season, with icons Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Djokovic previously achieving the feat.
Sinner also won the Paris Masters in November, meaning he has now reached four consecutive Masters 1000 finals.
In March, the Italian completed the ‘Sunshine Double’ without dropping a set as he picked up titles at Indian Wells and the Miami Open.
But that’s not all, as the four-time Grand Slam winner became only the second player to win his first 16 consecutive ATP-1000 matches in a season – something only Djokovic has previously achieved.
Sinner has also won 42 of the last 43 sets he has played at Masters events, as well as reaching his 12th Masters final, although tomorrow’s showpiece will be just his second on clay.
“I’m very happy. We came here trying to give myself some feedback [on clay], and now finding myself in the final means a lot to me,” Sinner said after progressing to the final.
“Obviously every match, every day is different, so I’m very happy with today’s performance. I felt really solid from the beginning. When you are a break up straight away, it changes the dynamic of the match, so I’m very happy and let’s see what’s coming in the final.”
Ahead of the Monte Carlo tournament, Sinner insisted that winning tournaments was more important than becoming world number one.
“I know the position, the situation and the scenarios, but it’s not one tournament that will define who’s No. 1 or No. 2,” Sinner told the ATP.
“It’s a tournament that I love to play and I’m happy to be here. I will try to win as many matches as possible, but at the same time, there are even more tournaments coming up.
“When you are a top player, you aim to win trophies. The points are secondary, in a way.”
Topics: Jannik Sinner, Tennis, Carlos Alcaraz
Luke Davies