Carlos Alcaraz has immediate message for Jannik Sinner after losing Monte Carlo final | Tennis | Sport

Carlos Alcaraz showed his respect for Jannik Sinner after losing to his Italian rival in the Monte Carlo Masters final. Alcaraz was the defending champion and is the current No. 1, but Sinner has now secured his first big title on the clay and will overtake Alcaraz at the top of the rankings from Monday.

The Spaniard led by a break in both sets but suffered a 7-6(5) 6-3 defeat, losing the last five games in a row, and was impressed with Sinner’s level on the clay. There were no hard feelings between the fierce rivals as they met at the net for the handshake, and Alcaraz was all smiles as he joked that Sinner was now unstoppable on another surface.

“Hard court, grass, clay court. Man, next time…” Alcaraz grinned as he hugged the newly-crowned champion. “That was a pleasure,” Sinner replied.

Alcaraz added: “Great job man, great stuff, congrats.” The Italian also congratulated his rival before racing over to celebrate with his team in his box.

Sinner has now won four straight Masters 1000 titles, including three this year. The Italian completed the Sunshine Double without dropping a set last month, lifting the trophies in Indian Wells and Miami. Now, he’s won his biggest career title on the clay in Monte Carlo, just two weeks after his Miami Open triumph.

“I don’t know where to start,” Sinner said immediately after the final. “Honestly, we came here just trying to get as many matches as possible, having good feedback before other big tournaments coming up.”

“Today was a very high level from both of us. It was a bit windy, breezy conditions than in the [rest of the] tournament has brought until today.”

Sinner will now return to No. 1 in the world for the first time since November, but he’s just happy to win a big title on clay. “The result is amazing. Getting back to No. 1 means a lot to me,” he added.

“At the same time, as I always say, the ranking is secondary, and I’m very happy to win at least one big trophy on this surface. I haven’t done it before, so it means a lot to me.”