Monte-Carlo Masters: Carlos Alcaraz sets up blockbuster final against Jannik Sinner in battle for world No. 1

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have both entered the final of the Monte-Carlo Masters, where they will meet for their first match of 2026.

Sinner converted all four points during the 82-minute encounter as he beat Alexander Zverev 6-1 6-4 on Court Rainier III before Alcaraz beat Valentin Vacherot 6-4 6-4.

That sets up a blockbuster final on Sunday afternoon, live on Sky Sports Tennis, with the winner also crowned World No.1 on Monday.

Moetsalibe is now on pace to win 21 matches at the Masters 1000 level after his titles in Paris last November and Indian Wells and Miami last month.

“I’m very happy. We came here to try to make an impression [on clay] and now to find myself at the end means a lot to me,” said Sinner.

“Obviously, every game, every day is different, so I’m very happy with today’s performance. I felt very strong from the beginning. When you break up immediately, it changes the energy of the game, so I’m very happy and we’ll see what comes in the end.”

‘A statement performance’

Jamie Murray, speaking to Sky Sports Tennis:

“It was a flawless performance. It was very good, complete dominance from Sinner. He had Zverev on the ropes from the first ball to the last, especially on the forehand.

“Moetsalibe was aggressive, controlling the game. He could play at his own pace and Zverev had no answer.”

Alcaraz books last place in order to defend the No 1 position

Defending champion and first seed Alcaraz ended Vacherot’s legendary run in the other semi-final.

The Monegasque ousted Lorenzo Musetti, Hubert Hurkacz and Alex de Minaur en route to the Monte Carlo semi-finals.

However, Alcaraz struck first in the opening set, breaking serve to go ahead 2-1 before sealing the set with an ace.

Just when the seven-time Grand Slam champion appeared to be sailing, Vacherot fought back and took a 4-3 lead in the second set.

However, Alcaraz proved too strong, winning three straight games to seal the victory and secure his first meeting with Moetsalibe this season.

“I think it’s a dream place for everybody,” Alcaraz said.

“I am fighting for my second Monte Carlo title; Jannik is fighting for his first. It will be very special.

“The world No 1 is on the line. That makes tomorrow even more special.

“I am very happy to win this very difficult match against Valentin. He is playing great tennis with great confidence at the moment.

“Playing in his hometown, it was really hard to deal with.

“For me, I’m very happy with my first meeting with Jannik this year, the first time in the final. Let’s see how it will be tomorrow. I’m happy about it.”

The Tale of the Tape

Moetsalibe becomes only the fourth man to reach the finals of the first three Masters 1000s in a season [after Roger Federer in 2006, Rafael Nadal in 2011 and Novak Djokovic in 2015].

In capturing his feat, Alcaraz became only the third player to reach 10 ATP 1000 finals before the age of 23, joining Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic since the format began in 1990.

McIlroy throughout the Monte Carlo event

Rory McIlroy plans to take his mind off golf as much as possible while he waits for the third round of the Masters.

“In fact there are two very good semi-finals in Monte Carlo tennis. So I will watch that,” he said. “We’ve been watching tennis very early in the morning.”

A man from the North of Irelandhe held a six-stroke lead on Friday leaving the leaderboard full of title winners eyeing the defending champion as the tournament reaches its midpoint.

McIlroy is 12-under par Sam Burns and Patrick Reed are tied for second at six under with Justin Rose, Shane Lowry and Tommy Fleetwood. one more.

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