Article by Luminița Paul – Published Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 10:30 p.m. / Updated Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 10:30 p.m.
ATP No. 1 Jannik Sinner (24), on his third possible Masters 1000 tour win in 2026, is heaping praise on praise, being considered to have an advantage over Carlos Alcaraz at the moment: “The serve is excellent, he didn't miss anything with the first one.”
A week off from the new – and old – ATP leader, Jannik Sinnerdoes not hold back the reactions and comments after the final won by the Italian in Monte Carlo, 7-6 (5), 6-3 in front of Carlos Alcaraz.
The new champion from the Principality is unbeaten this year in Masters 1000 tournaments, displaying the three trophies he has won so far, Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlobut the latter evoked the greatest reactions of admiration.
On the podcast I host, Nothing Major, former American major players John Isner, Sam Querrey and Steve Johnson analyzed Jannik's success on the Monaco clay. The first two were in a chat group alongside Jim Courierfour-time Grand Slam champion, who summed up the situation in the final as follows: “The wind affected Carlos's creativity more than Sinner's consistency,” as Querrey quoted the statement.
“Carlos, especially in the second set, didn't find the momentum or a certain wow shot to ignite the crowd and the wind is partly to blame“, added the former world number 11.
Regardless of the conditions though, it's clear to all that Jannik is on a formidable streak. “Three Masters titles in a row. Back to back, nobody can match him. Not even Carlos now. And Carlos somehow recognized that,” Querrey pointed out.
On Jannik Sinner: “I don't think he missed a serve”
Jannik Sinner in the Monte Carlo 2026 final Photo: Imago Images
For his part, Johnson, the former ATP number 21, highlighted the Italian's serve and how much it has played a part in his recent extraordinary results. “Last year, in the final of the US Open, the serve betrayed him at certain moments. Here, however, he was excellent, especially in the tie-break. I don't think he missed anySteve commented.
“I find it interesting how the two of them adjust when playing against each other. Last year Carlos had the upper hand. Now it seems like Sinner has found something good. But we will see such oscillations again – one wins three or four in a row, then the other adjusts and does the same. That's why this rivalry is so great“, Johnson also said.
11Alcaraz has 6 ATP clay-court titles and lost 6 finals, while Sinner's record is 2-2
Isner is cautious about declaring Jannik unbeatable. “He has a big advantage now, but Carlos won the Australian Open. They're on a continuous run, it's great to watch,” said the former ATP No. 8.
For the three former American players, the clay season will be an extremely interesting one to watch, although Johnson is leaning towards Jannik. “I have more confidence in him because he will play less,” he explained. “Carlos could play in Barcelona, Madrid, Rome, it's a lot of tennis. Masters tournaments are long, the schedule is tough. That's why I give Sinner the edge in Rome, but Carlos could find the solution by Roland Garros“, was the conclusion.
