Sinner Makes a Bold Statement with Dual Monte-Carlo Aspirations
The 24-year-old aims for the No. 1 ranking and his inaugural ATP Masters 1000 title on clay.
April 07, 2026
Valery Hache/AFP via Getty Images
Jannik Sinner shines in his match against Ugo Humbert at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters.
By Jerome Coombe
Jannik Sinner kicked off his European clay-court season in spectacular style at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters on Tuesday, asserting himself in Monaco with a decisive performance.
Just a week after becoming the first player to achieve the ‘Sunshine Double’ without dropping a set, the 24-year-old carried that winning momentum onto the clay, overpowering Ugo Humbert with an impressive 6-3, 6-0 victory. This week, as he chases his first ATP Masters 1000 title on clay, Sinner also seeks to reclaim the coveted No. 1 spot in the PIF ATP Rankings from reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz.
18 consecutive Masters 1000 victories 😲@janniksin kicks off his clay court season in style!@ROLEXMCMASTERS | #RolexMonteCarloMasters pic.twitter.com/E89FEexyRh
— ATP Tour (@atptour) April 7, 2026
“I felt good out there,” Sinner remarked, reflecting on his 2-1 record against Humbert in their head-to-head matchups. “Adjusting my game style to suit different scenarios is crucial. The first tournament on clay always comes with its challenges, but I’m here with positive vibes and not too many expectations.”
Although Humbert showcased his skills during his earlier win over 17-year-old Moise Kouame, he started off strong against Sinner, executing some stylish all-court plays. Nevertheless, Sinner soon found his rhythm, delivering his hallmark power and finesse throughout the match.
Dominating the opening set, Sinner was nearly invincible in the second, allowing only six points to secure his third-round place at Monte-Carlo for the fourth consecutive year. The World No. 2 has now achieved an extraordinary streak of 36 consecutive sets won at the Masters 1000 level, following his titles in Paris and the recent tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami.
A two-time semi-finalist in Monaco, Sinner’s next opponent will be either Francisco Cerundolo or Tomas Machac, as he strives for his first clay Masters 1000 title. Additionally, with the No. 1 ranking within reach, he’s seeded to face Alcaraz for the first time this season in the finals.
Both Sinner and Humbert took to Court Rainier III ahead of schedule after Roberto Bautista Agut had to retire due to injury while trailing Matteo Berrettini 0-4 after just 23 minutes.
Berrettini, a former World No. 6 struggling with injuries recently, faces a pivotal second-round matchup against seventh seed Daniil Medvedev. If he doesn’t advance, it will mark his fall outside the Top 100 for the first time since April 2024.
