Alcaraz Not Distracted By No. 1 Battle With Sinner

Carlos Alcaraz says that his battle for World No. 1 with Jannik Sinner will not be a distraction this week as he seeks to defend his Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters title.

The Spaniard says that he fully expects Sinner to replace him in top spot in the PIF ATP Rankings at some point during the clay-court season. He just doesn’t know when.

“To be honest, I’m gonna lose the No. 1, I just don’t know if it’s gonna be in this tournament or in the next one,” Alcaraz said told ATP Media’s Colin Fleming after his opening-round win over Sebastian Baez.

“I’ve got a bunch of points that it’s gonna be really difficult to defend. Even if I do defend them, Jannik is going to add points. I will do my best but No. 1 is not in my mind right now. I’m just trying to feel the best I can on the clay courts.”

Alcaraz currently leads Sinner by 1,190 points. But he is defending 4,300 points during the clay swing after winning titles last year in Monte-Carlo, Rome and Roland Garros and finishing runner-up in Barcelona. Sinner did not play Monte-Carlo or Madrid last year and has just 1,950 points to defend.

Both players have been World No. 1 for 66 weeks during their career. Should they meet in the Monte-Carlo championship match on Sunday, the winner will hold No. 1 next Monday. Sinner must reach the semi-finals this week just to have a chance of reclaiming No. 1.