“I’m going to lose the number one spot” – Carlos Alcaraz admits his defence of the highest rating spot is in peril this week on the Monte-Carlo Masters with Jannik Sinner chasing him down.
Sinner made a formidable return to European clay by profitable an 18th consecutive match – and in addition making it 36 successive units – at Masters 1000 stage with a gap victory.
Having develop into the primary participant to finish the ‘Sunshine Double’ of Indian Wells and Miami Open with out dropping a set, the 24-year-old two-time semi-finalist in Monaco carried that momentum on to clay with a assured 6-3 6-0 win over Ugo Humbert in 61 minutes.
Sinner continued his pursuit of a primary Masters 1000 crown on clay in high-quality type and the pace with which he dispatched Humbert would probably have impressed Usain Bolt, the enduring Olympic dash star who was watching on from the stands.
“It was a good performance from my side,” the Italian mentioned. “You need to change your recreation type just a little bit, the way you strategy sure conditions.
“The first tournament [on clay] is never easy. I come here with good feelings but, at the same time, not many expectations.”
Story of the Tape
Alcaraz: I’ll lose No 1 of the world
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Highlights of the match between Carlos Alcaraz and Sebastian Baez in Monte-Carlo
Alcaraz took simply 69 minutes to seal a 6-1 6-3 opening-round win in opposition to Sebastian Baez for his 14th consecutive win on clay, equalling his longest win streak on the floor which he set between Barcelona, Madrid and the French Open in 2022.
“It’s been a really good start to the tournament for me,” mentioned Alcaraz. “To be honest, I surprised myself with the level. I thought I was going to play a little bit worse, I would say, but I’m just happy with everything I’ve done today.
“Perhaps a few issues I did not do effectively within the second set. I let him get into the match, however total, I am simply completely satisfied to play matches once more on clay.”
Story of the Tape
This week in Monte-Carlo, Alcaraz can also be competing with the information that Sinner has the possibility to switch him as world No 1 subsequent Monday.
“I’m going to lose No 1 in the world [at some point]. I don’t know if it is going to be at this tournament or [another] one,” mentioned Alcaraz.
“I’m defending a bunch of points that are going to be really difficult to defend. Even if I defend them, Jannik is going to add some points.
“I’ll simply attempt to play my finest and let’s examine what occurs, however for me the No 1 spot shouldn’t be in my thoughts proper now. I am simply making an attempt to really feel one of the simplest ways on clay courts and let’s examine how the clay swing goes.”
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