Monte-Carlo Masters: Jannik Sinner puts the heat on Carlos Alcaraz in his pursuit of the world No. 1 spot as both players race into the third round.

“I’m going to lose first place” – Carlos Alcaraz admits his top-flight defense is at risk this week at the Monte-Carlo Masters with Jannik Sinner chasing him down.

Moetsalibe made a spectacular return to European clay by winning his 18th consecutive match – and making it 36 ​​consecutive sets – at the Masters 1000 level with the first victory.

Having become the first player to complete the ‘Sunshine Double’ of the Indian Wells and Miami Open without dropping a set, the 24-year-old semi-finalist in Monaco continued to make clay with a huge 6-3 6-0 victory over Ugo Humbert in 61 minutes.

Moetsalibe continued his pursuit of a first Masters 1000 crown on clay in fine style and the speed with which he dispatched Humbert might have impressed Usain Bolt, the Olympic track star who was watching from the stands.

“It was a good performance from my side,” said the Italian. “You have to change your style of play a little bit, how you approach certain situations.

“The first tournament [on clay] it’s never easy. I come here with good intentions, but at the same time, not a lot of expectations. “

A Tape Tale

Alcaraz: I’m going to lose the world No 1

Alcaraz took just 69 minutes to seal a 6-1 6-3 victory in the opening match against Sebastian Baez for his 14th consecutive victory on clay, equaling his longest streak which he set between Barcelona, ​​​​​​​​Madrid and the French Open in 2022.

“It was a very good start for me,” Alcaraz said. “To be honest, I was surprised by the situation. I thought I would play a little bit better, I would say, but I’m just happy with everything I did today.

“I probably didn’t do a few things right in the second set. I let him get into the game, but overall, I’m just happy to be playing again on clay.”

A Tape Tale

This week in Monte-Carlo, Alcaraz is once again competing in the knowledge that Moetsalibe has the chance to replace him as world No 1 next Monday.

“I’m going to lose the No 1 in the world [at some point]. I don’t know if it will be in this tournament or not [another] one,” Alcaraz said.

“I’m defending a group of points that will be very difficult to defend. Even if I defend them, Jannik will add points.

“I’ll just try to play as much as I can and we’ll see what happens, but for me the No 1 spot is not in my mind right now. I’m just trying to feel the best way on the clay courts and let’s see how the clay goes.”

De Minaur defeats Norrie after a fierce battle in Monte-Carlo

British No 1 Cameron Norrie exited in the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters after a three-set defeat to fifth seed Alex De Minaur.

After dropping a tough opener in the break, Norrie won five games in a row en route to forcing a decider.

But Australian De Minaur served twice at the start of the final set before advancing 7-6 (5) 2-6 6-2 to set up a last 16 meeting with 10th seed Flavio Cobolli or Belgian player Alexander Blockx.

After the first round, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz opened their clay court seasons by commanding the final 32 victories as they continue to fight for the first place in the world.

Moetsalibe defeated Frenchman Ugo Humbert 6-3 6-0 in just 64 minutes, while defending champion Alcaraz beat Argentina’s Sebastian Baez 6-1 6-3.

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