Sinner Gains Ground on Alcaraz in Battle for Top Ranking at Monte-Carlo Masters

Carlos Alcaraz has admitted that his position as world number one is under threat, with Jannik Sinner closing in on him at the Monte-Carlo Masters. Sinner made a strong return to European clay, winning his 18th consecutive match and 36th successive set at Masters 1000 level, with a confident 6-3 6-0 victory over Ugo Humbert in 61 minutes. The Italian's impressive performance has put pressure on Alcaraz, who sealed a 6-1 6-3 opening-round win against Sebastian Baez in just 69 minutes, equalling his longest win streak on clay. Alcaraz acknowledged that Sinner has the chance to replace him as world number one next Monday, saying 'I'm going to lose the number one spot' and that he is 'defending a bunch of points that are going to be really difficult to defend.' Meanwhile, British number one Cameron Norrie suffered a second-round exit, losing to fifth seed Alex De Minaur in three sets.