Jannik Sinner was delighted after he defeated defending champion Carlos Alcaraz by 7-6, 6-3 in the final of the Monte-Carlo Masters. Last month, the Italian became the first player since Roger Federer in 2017 to win the ‘Sunshine Double’ and continued his rich form on clay.

This is Sinner’s maiden ATP 1000 title on clay and his eighth overall. Furthermore, Sinner returned to the numero uno position in the PIF ATP Rankings, leapfrogging Carlos Alcaraz from the top.

“I am surprised in a very good way, and [the win] means a lot to me, Sinner said. “I still need a little bit of time to realise what happened.”

The Italian said he always tries to improve his game and become a better player on the tour.

“Every day I woke up and tried to improve and then tried to get better as a player,” Sinner shared. “Here [in Monte-Carlo], we did day by day, trying to understand what the best game style is against every opponent, because I haven’t played the same kind of tennis against everyone. We changed small, small things.”

Sinner also praised Carlos Alcaraz and his team for another terrific run in the Monte Carlo Masters.

“Carlos, you and your team are doing amazing things year after year.” Sinner said. “You keep showing the player you are, achieving things nobody else has achieved before at your age. Facing you, especially in the final it makes it even more special.”

After this win, Sinner improved his H2H record against Alcaraz to 7-10. 

“It was a good match from him, and also from me, Sinner said. “There are small things that he is going to improve for the next match against me, and I have to be ready for that.”

Sinner will be next seen in action in the Madrid Open.