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Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will meet in the Monte Carlo final with the world No.1 ranking at stake.
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are set to meet in another high-stakes chapter of their growing rivalry, after both advanced to the Monte Carlo Masters final with commanding semi-final wins.
Alcaraz secured his place with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Monaco's Valentin Vacherot, ending the local wildcard's impressive run.
Earlier, Sinner underlined his form with a dominant 6-1, 6-4 win against Alexander Zverev.
The final will carry added significance, with the world No.1 ranking on the line. It also marks their first meeting of 2026 and their first clash on clay since last year's French Open final, where Alcaraz prevailed in a five set contest widely regarded as one of the sport's modern classics.
Since that encounter, the pair have continued to trade major titles. Sinner defeated Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final, while the Spaniard responded with victory at the US Open.
Sinner then gained the upper hand again at the ATP Finals, underlining the balance in their rivalry.
Alcaraz arrives as the current No.1 after winning the Australian Open earlier this year, while Sinner has built momentum with titles at Indian Wells and Miami, completing the so-called sunshine double.
Speaking after his semi-final, Alcaraz described the upcoming match as a standout occasion, noting the added weight of the No.1 ranking.
Sinner echoed the significance, saying such contests were the reason he trains and competes at the highest level.
The Italian's victory over Zverev also placed him in elite company, becoming just the fourth player to reach the finals at Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo in the same season, alongside Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
For Alcaraz, the semi-final required composure against a spirited opponent. Vacherot, who had earlier eliminated Alex de Minaur, was unable to sustain his run against the Spaniard's consistency and control.
The final now shapes as another defining moment in a rivalry that continues to set the benchmark in men's