Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz will face Jannik Sinner in the final of the Monte Carlo Masters, with the winner taking the world number one spot.
The pair both came through Saturday’s semi-finals in straight sets, with Sinner defeating third seed Alexander Zverev 6-1 6-4 and Alcaraz ending the run of home favourite Valentin Vacherot 6-4 6-4.
Sinner, the tournament’s second seed and world number two, becomes the first man to reach the first three Masters 1000 finals in a season since Novak Djokovic in 2015, having already triumphed at Indian Wells and Miami.
The 24-year-old is on a 21-match winning streak at the Masters 1000 level and was in superb form against Zverev, converting all four of his break chances and never facing a break point as he won in 82 minutes.
“I’m very happy. We came here trying to give myself some feedback [on clay] and now finding myself in the final means a lot to me,” said Sinner, who completed his eighth straight tour-level victory against Zverev.
“When you are a break up straight away, it changes the dynamic of the match. I have nothing to lose. Coming here and making the final means a lot to me, so of course I will try to push as much as I can tomorrow on the last day,”
World number one Alcaraz holds a 10-6 lead in matches with Sinner, whom he will meet for the first time since the Italian’s victory in straight sets in the ATP Finals championship match last November.
The Spanish top seed reached the final in 84 minutes, converting three of four break points against Vacherot, who became the first Monaco native to reach the semi-finals at Monte Carlo.
“I think it’s the dream spot for everyone I would say. I’m fighting for a second Monte Carlo title, he’s fighting for his first one,” said Alcaraz, who will look to seal his third title of the 2026 season on Sunday.
“The number one is on the line, which will make tomorrow even more special.
“I’m just happy to win this really difficult match against Valentin. He’s playing great tennis with a lot of confidence right now, playing in his home town. It was really tough to get the win, but I’m really excited about my first meeting with Jannik in 2026.”