Sinner Closes in on Alcaraz in Bid for Top Ranking at Monte-Carlo Masters

Carlos Alcaraz has admitted that his position as world number one is under threat, with Jannik Sinner hot on his heels at the Monte-Carlo Masters. Sinner made a strong start to his clay-court campaign, winning his 18th consecutive match at Masters 1000 level and extending his streak of successive sets won to 36. The Italian, who recently became the first player to win the 'Sunshine Double' of Indian Wells and Miami Open without dropping a set, defeated Ugo Humbert 6-3 6-0 in just 61 minutes. Alcaraz, meanwhile, took just 69 minutes to beat Sebastian Baez 6-1 6-3, equalling his longest winning streak on clay. However, the Spaniard is aware that Sinner has the chance to overtake him in the rankings next week. 'I'm going to lose the number one spot at some point,' Alcaraz said. 'I don't know if it will be at this tournament or another one, but I'm defending a lot of points that will be difficult to defend.' Sinner's impressive form has put pressure on Alcaraz, who is trying to focus on his own game rather than worrying about the rankings. 'I will just try to play my best and see what happens,' he said. 'The number one spot is not in my mind right now. I'm just trying to feel my best on clay courts and see how the clay swing goes.' Cameron Norrie, the British number one, suffered a second-round exit at the hands of fifth seed Alex De Minaur, losing 7-6 (7-5) 2-6 6-2.