Carlos Alcaraz Felt ‘Powerless’ After His Defeat to Jannik Sinner in Monte Carlo

Carlos Alcaraz registered a straight-set defeat at the hands of Jannik Sinner in the final of the Monte-Carlo Masters. He was bidding to defend his title, but Sinner dashed his hope to win his career’s second clay-court title.

The victory helped the Italian dethrone Alcaraz from the top of the rankings table. The win also improved Sinner’s head-to-head record over the seven-time Grand Slam champion to 7-10. Following Sinner’s victory, former WTA World No.1 Justine Henin said Alcaraz looked powerless after his defeat.

In Alcaraz’s post-match comments, I sensed respect but also a kind of admiration for the new world No 1. Respect him, yes, but we also need to try to find new ways to win. I sensed Alcaraz was powerless, not lost, but powerless in the face of what Sinner is achieving.

Justine Henin told Eurosport France

Sinner has now become only the second man, after Novak Djokovic, to win the Indian Wells Masters, Miami Open, and the Monte-Carlo Masters in the same year. He has also become the fourth player to win four consecutive Masters 1000 titles after Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer.

Of course, it’s impressive [what Sinner is achieving], but it might do Alcaraz some good and give him energy on the road to Roland Garros. How will he cope psychologically?

Justine Henin added

Alcaraz is in Barcelona and will be defending 330 ranking points after finishing as the runner-up last year, losing to Holger Rune. He is chasing his third title of the season, following victories at the Australian Open and the Qatar Open. At the Indian Wells and the Miami Open, Alcaraz’s campaign ended in the semifinals and the third round, respectively.

Sam Querrey praises Carlos Alcaraz for his No.1 ranking statement

Before the Monte-Carlo Masters, Carlos Alcaraz had 4,300 points to defend on the European clay swing. Alcaraz now has 3,300 points because of his run to the final in Barcelona and his victories at the Italian Open and the French Open last year.

After his opening-round win in The Principality, Alcaraz said he was convinced that he would be losing his No.1 ranking to Jannik Sinner. For this statement about his ranking, Sam Querrey lauded him.

That was kind of cool, I thought. I never remember Rafa [Nadal], Roger [Federer], or Novak [Djokovic] saying that. He was basically just like I’m okay with it. I feel like that checks out for Carlos, too. When I watch him play matches, I feel like he is okay with losing. He leaves the court with a smile on his face, and it also makes him so good and dangerous, for sure. He plays with that freedom where he is okay with the loss, and he’s okay with losing that number one ranking.

Alcaraz will become the top-ranked player once again if he clinches the Barcelona Open. Sinner is not in Barcelona and could end up skipping the Madrid Open as well to prioritize rest and recovery. Neither Alcaraz nor Sinner has any points to defend in Madrid as they skipped the fourth Masters 1000 tournament of the season last year.

At the Italian Open and the French Open last year, Sinner lost the finals to the 22-year-old. Sinner has 1,950 points to defend in the two tournaments this year, while Alcaraz has 3000 points to defend.

At the French Open, Alcaraz will be bidding to complete the three-peat. Sinner will be bidding to become the first man since his arch-rival to complete the Career Grand Slam by winning the French Open. Alcaraz achieved this after defeating Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final this year.

Also read: Thomas Enqvist Shares Plans for Matteo Berrettini After the Italian’s Resurgence in Monte Carl

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