Will Jannik Sinner close gap in Carlos Alcaraz rivalry after winning 2026 Monte-Carlo Masters?

Carlos Alcaraz discusses his latest loss to Jannik Sinner

"It is impressive what you are achieving right now," Alcaraz told Sinner during the trophy presentation (h/t Field Level Media). "Just one man had won the 'Sunshine Double' and Monte-Carlo and you are now the second. It is incredible."

The last player to win the "Sunshine Double" (the Indian Wells and the Miami Open) and the Monte-Carlo Masters was Novak Djokovic in 2015, in one of his best seasons ever. The 24-time Grand Slam champion won Wimbledon, the U.S. Open and the Australian Open and reached the French Open final that year. He finished the season 82-6. 

Sinner's clearly playing at a similar level to Djokovic's in the weeks leading up to the 2026 French Open (scheduled for May 24-June 7). He's gone 19-2 this season and raked in $3.215M in prize money. 

Alcaraz isn't cold, either. The 22-year-old is 17-2 this season and has earned $3.703M in prize money. 

"I would say that the important moments, the important points, I didn't play well," Alcaraz said, per Sam Jacot of ATP.com. "I think I had many opportunities in that match that I didn't take it. So many games, points, so many 15/30, Love/30. I think first tie-break, I didn't play well, and I think he just played unbelievable tennis when it mattered. I think that was the key today."

If Sinner keeps playing that spectacular tennis in the Grand Slams, he could continue to have one of the best seasons of his career. He could also make a rivalry that may have been growing one-sided, competitive again.