Jannik Sinner cruises into Monte-Carlo Masters final where he could face great rival Carlos Alcaraz with world No 1 on the line
Jannik Sinner cruised into his maiden Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters final, where he could face old foe and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz for the first time in 2026 on Sunday.
Sinner converted all four break points across the 82-minute encounter as the Italian overwhelmed Zverev 6-1 6-4 on Court Rainier III.
The Italian is now on a 21-match winning streak at Masters 1000 level following his title runs in Paris last November and Indian Wells and Miami last month.
His opponent in Sunday’s title showdown could be his great rival Alcaraz in what would be a straight shootout for the world No 1 spot.
The Spaniard faces home favourite Valentin Vacherot, who will hope to deny Alcaraz and Sinner their first tour-level meeting this year.
“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,” said Sinner.
“Obviously every match, every day is different, so I’m very happy about today’s performance. I felt really solid from the beginning. When you are a break up straightaway, it changes the dynamic of the match, so very happy and let’s see what’s coming in the final.”
‘A statement performance’
Jamie Murray, speaking to Sky Sports Tennis:
“It was a flawless performance. It was so good, complete domination from Sinner. He had Zverev on the ropes from first ball to last, especially on the forehand wing. Winners galore flying off his racket. It was a statement performance and he will be looking forward to the final.
“Sinner was the aggressor, the one dictating play. He was able to play on his terms and Zverev didn’t have an answer.”
Tale of the Tape
Sinner becomes just the fourth man to reach the final at the first three Masters 1000s in a season [after Roger Federer in 2006, Rafael Nadal in 2011 and Novak Djokovic in 2015].
McIlroy across the action in Monte Carlo
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Rory McIlroy says he will be across the action for the Monte Carlo Masters semi-finals as he relaxes before heading out for action on day three of the Masters
Rory McIlroy planned to keep his mind off golf as much as possible while awaiting the third round of the Masters.
“There’s actually two really good semi-finals at Monte Carlo in the tennis. So I’ll watch that,” he said. “We’ve been watching the tennis early in the mornings.”
The Northern Irishman seized a commanding six-stroke lead on Friday to leave a leaderboard packed with major title winners looking up at the defending champion as the tournament reached the halfway point.
McIlroy is 12-under par with Sam Burns and Patrick Reed tied for second at six under and Justin Rose, Shane Lowry and Tommy Fleetwood one further adrift.
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