With Alcaraz sidelined and eyeing a potential return at Wimbledon, the points Sinner stands to gain at the Italian Open and Roland Garros will provide a more than sufficient cushion. The Spaniard’s absence from the clay-court swing leaves a vacuum at the top of the draw, allowing Sinner to extend a lead that was already historically formidable.

While the math is settled, Sinner remains focused on the competitive landscape rather than the spreadsheets. When asked about the impact of Alcaraz’s absence and whether he personally misses the rivalry on court, the World No. 1 offered a measured, somewhat guarded response to the media.

“I think that’s quite personal, so I won’t answer. His absence is felt not just here—especially here in Spain—but it’ll probably be felt even more at Roland Garros,” said Sinner, who also dismissed the ‘favorite’ label ahead of the French Open.

Sinner poised to guard top spot past Wimbledon

Even with the rankings pressure lifted, Sinner has a prime opportunity to bury the competition while Alcaraz recovers. By securing just 710 additional points, the Italian will ensure he remains out of reach for the Spaniard well into the grass-court season.

The rankings projection remains grim for the rest of the field; even if Alcaraz returns to peak form for a Wimbledon title run, Sinner is projected to sit at 14,060 points compared to Alcaraz’s 12,960. That 1,100-point gap acts as a vital insurance policy, ensuring Sinner’s name stays at the top of the entry lists regardless of the results in London.

Next objective: A breakthrough in Paris

With the reigning Roland Garros champion sidelined, Sinner faces his best opportunity yet to conquer the red clay of Paris. A victory at the French Open would not only add a second major to his trophy case but would further solidify his era of dominance.

Historically, clay has been Sinner’s most challenging surface, but his recent breakthrough at the Monte Carlo Masters proved he has evolved into an all-court threat. While he isn’t yet chasing a career Grand Slam, a win in Paris would put him halfway to that historic milestone and cement his status as the undisputed man to beat in 2026.

“I don’t know. I think this is not what we should talk about,” Sinner stated firmly during a press conference at the Madrid Masters, when asked if Alcaraz’s absence paved a clear path for him in Paris.

With Alcaraz sidelined, Sinner faces a massive opportunity to secure his first Roland Garros title and complete the elusive Career Grand Slam. Having already triumphed at the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open, the clay-court major is the final piece of the puzzle.

Standing in his way are heavyweights like Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic—the latter being the last man to defeat Sinner in a Grand Slam match (Australian Open 2026 semifinals).

‘Tennis needs Alcaraz,’ says Sinner

Far from celebrating the absence of his greatest rival, Sinner emphasized that the sport is diminished when the Spaniard is not on court. He noted that the competitive spirit of the tour is simply better when Alcaraz is healthy and participating.

“I think the most important thing to say is that, first of all, tennis needs Carlos—tennis has a much better spirit when he’s around,” Sinner added. “Also for me personally, it’s nice when he’s around; it makes me look at the draw and individual matches in a different way”.

When could Alcaraz return?

With his absences confirmed for both the Rome Masters and Roland Garros, Alcaraz is now targeting a return for the grass-court season, specifically aiming to be fit for Wimbledon.

Medical experts expect the current World No. 2 to participate in warm-up tournaments to find his rhythm before the year’s second Grand Slam in England. His most likely comeback event is the Queen’s Club Championships, where he would be looking to defend the title he captured in 2025.

“After reviewing the test results today, we have decided that the most prudent course of action is to be cautious and skip both Rome and Roland Garros, while we evaluate the recovery process to determine when I can return to the court,” Alcaraz shared on social media. “It is a difficult moment for me, but I am certain I will come back stronger”.

With his absence from the clay-court season confirmed, Alcaraz is now aiming for a return during the grass-court swing in June. It is highly probable that he will make his comeback at the Queen’s Club Championships or another warm-up event to find his footing before Wimbledon.

A massive opening for Jannik Sinner

Alcaraz’s unfortunate injury, which sidelines him until mid-June, provides Jannik Sinner with a golden opportunity to solidify his status as the undisputed World No. 1.

The rivalry between the two stars dominated the 2025 season, where they split the four Grand Slam titles: Sinner claimed the Australian Open and Wimbledon, while Alcaraz took Roland Garros and the US Open.

With his primary rival out of the picture for the next two months, Sinner—who is currently competing in Madrid—has the chance to sweep the upcoming 3,000 points available in Rome and Paris, potentially creating an insurmountable lead in the ATP Rankings.

Alcaraz likely to maintain World No.2 status despite absence

Despite confirming his withdrawal from both Rome and Roland Garros, Carlos Alcaraz is in a strong position to remain the World No. 2 when he eventually returns to competition. This stability is due to the substantial points cushion he has built over his closest pursuer in the ATP Rankings, Alexander Zverev.

Alcaraz currently holds a commanding 12,960 points, while Zverev sits in third place with 5,255 points. Because of this massive gap of over 7,000 points, it is mathematically improbable for the German to overtake Alcaraz in the immediate future, even with the Spaniard unable to defend his titles in the coming weeks.

The situation worsened days later, when Alcaraz announced he would also miss the Madrid Open, citing that recent medical evaluations showed the injury was more serious than initially anticipated.

However, during the Laureus Awards, where he was honored as the World Sportsman of the Year, the Spaniard even cast doubt on his participation in the French Open if his injury requires more recovery time.

“We have a very long career ahead of us. Forcing myself to play this Roland Garros could seriously harm my future tournaments,” Alcaraz explained during a press conference. “I prefer to return a little later and be 100% rather than return early and in poor condition. You have to take care of yourself; the career can be very long”.

The battle for World No.1

Alcaraz’s injury comes at a pivotal moment in the fight for the top of the ATP rankings. After reclaiming the No. 1 spot in November 2025, the Spaniard recently surrendered the throne to Jannik Sinner following a thrilling defeat in the Monte-Carlo Masters final on April 12.

Despite the setback, Alcaraz remains unfazed by the rankings shuffle. “I’m not worried. I already said in Monte-Carlo, when I was healthy, that I was going to lose the number one spot regardless. The battle between Jannik and me is beautiful; we are sharing the weeks at the top, although I believe he will stay there a bit longer now,” the Spaniard added.

Sinner’s golden opportunity in the ATP Rankings

As Alcaraz noted, Sinner now faces a major opportunity to extend his lead in the rankings and solidify his position as World No. 1 for the foreseeable future. Following Alcaraz’s withdrawal from the Madrid Masters, Sinner has emerged as the clear favorite to claim the title.

The Italian also holds a strategic advantage: he is not defending any points in this tournament, having been absent from the 2025 edition. Consequently, he faces no risk of losing ground and could gain up to 1,000 points by lifting the trophy, significantly widening the gap between himself and Carlitos.

“Right now he’s going through a tough moment, but we hope to see him back on court very soon, maybe in Rome. When you want to win, you want to win against the best players,” Sinner told Mediaset when asked about Alcaraz’s recent injury setbacks.

The duo has forged the most anticipated rivalry on the ATP Tour, drawing inevitable comparisons to the legendary battles between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal that defined the sport before Novak Djokovic ascended to his place in history.

This modern-day rivalry has fans and analysts alike speculating on the future of the sport. In the immediate future, however, Sinner has a golden opportunity to chase Masters 1000 history while Alcaraz remains sidelined.

Alcaraz provides grim injury update

Despite the celebratory atmosphere, Alcaraz arrived at the Laureus ceremony with his right wrist heavily immobilized, immediately fueling concerns regarding his status for Roland Garros. The World No. 3 didn’t mince words when discussing the severity of the issue.

“As everyone saw in Barcelona, after a return, I felt my wrist give out and the discomfort just kept increasing. We saw the results of the exams today, and it’s a bit more serious than we initially expected,” Alcaraz admitted to reporters.

Alcaraz emphasized that he will prioritize his long-term well-being, indicating he is prepared to skip Roland Garros if his wrist is not completely healed. If he remains out, the spotlight in Paris will shift almost entirely to Sinner and the veteran Djokovic.

Sinner eyes the Mutua Madrid Open

With Alcaraz officially out of the upcoming Masters 1000 event in Madrid, Sinner is looking to capitalize on a tournament where he has historically struggled to find his best form.

For the Italian, Madrid serves as a crucial testing ground to refine his game on the clay, a surface that has remained the final frontier in his quest for ATP dominance.

With his place in the final four secured, Jodar becomes only the sixth Spanish teenager to reach the semifinals of the Barcelona Open before turning 20. He joins a prestigious list that includes Alex Corretja (1994), Carlos Moya (1996), Rafael Nadal (2005, 2006), and Carlos Alcaraz (2022, 2023).

Jodar dominated Norrie with a clinical 6-3, 6-2 victory to keep his dream run alive. The teenager has now extended his winning streak to eight matches and remarkably has yet to drop a single set in the tournament.

What is Jodar’s ATP Ranking?

Ranked No. 686 exactly one year ago, Jodar has enjoyed a meteoric rise through the ATP standings. By the end of 2025, he had climbed to No. 168, setting the stage for a top-100 breakthrough in 2026.

Following the May 30 update, Jodar officially cracked the top 100, landing at No. 89. Currently sitting at World No. 55, his triumph over Norrie guarantees another massive leap; he is projected to rise to World No. 42 in the next ranking update.

Alcaraz praises Jodar’s rise

Jodar has been the breakout star of 2026, already claiming the Marrakech Open title and reaching the third round of the Miami Masters 1000. His performances caught the eye of Alcaraz, who spoke highly of the 19-year-old’s rapid development.

“I was able to play a practice set with him and see the level he had. What he has achieved from Australia until now has been impressive,” Alcaraz said during a press conference in Barcelona. “He is a great player. I have been following him, and I think he has adapted to the circuit very quickly“.

“Madrid, unfortunately I won’t be able to compete Mutua Madrid Open this year. I’m continuing my recovery in order to be back soon. Hasta pronto!” Djokovic announced via his official X (formerly Twitter) account.

Djokovic last competed on March 11, where he suffered a 6-4, 4-6, 6-7(5) defeat to Jack Draper in the Round of 16 at the Indian Wells Masters. The 24-time Grand Slam champion is reportedly prioritizing reaching peak physical condition in time for the 2026 Roland Garros.

Alcaraz drops out too

Carlos Alcaraz’s recent wrist injury, which forced his withdrawal from the Barcelona Open, has cast a shadow over his availability for the Madrid Masters, scheduled for April 22 to May 3.

Finally, the Spaniard recently announced through his social media that he will not be able to participate in the tournament. “There is news that is incredibly hard to share. Madrid is home, one of the most special places on the calendar for me, and that’s why it hurts so much not to be able to play here for the second year in a row…” Alcaraz wrote.

Sinner’s situation

On the other side, World No. 1 Jannik Sinner indicated after his Monte-Carlo Masters victory that he would take some time off to evaluate his schedule with his team before committing to Madrid.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian still plans to travel to the Spanish capital to attend the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards at Cibeles Palace. A final decision regarding his participation in the Masters 1000 is expected shortly after the ceremony.

When could Djokovic be back?

In his announcement, Djokovic did not specify which tournament would mark his return to the tour. However, in 2025, the Serb opted to skip the Rome Masters after an early exit in Madrid to save himself for Roland Garros—a strategy that saw him reach the semifinals before falling to Sinner. With the World No. 4 hungry for a 25th Grand Slam title, perhaps he will employ a similar calculated approach this season to maximize his chances in Paris.

While Sinner currently holds 13,350 points, Alcaraz entered Barcelona with 12,910 points, defending 330 points from his runner-up finish in 2025. Had the Spaniard captured the title, he would have surpassed the Italian by just 60 points.

Instead, having only won his opening match against Otto Virtanen before withdrawing, Alcaraz dropped 280 points. Following the next ATP Ranking update, he will sit at 12,630 points.

Does Alcaraz have a chance to retake the No.1 spot?

The next major event on the calendar is the Madrid Masters 1000, where both Alcaraz and Sinner have a chance to significantly bolster their totals. Neither player competed in the 2024 edition, meaning they have zero points to defend.

However, Alcaraz’s injury puts his Madrid participation in jeopardy, potentially giving Sinner a golden opportunity to extend his lead. But Sinner’s own status remains slightly uncertain too; following his victory in Monte-Carlo, the Italian indicated he would take a few days off to evaluate with his team whether he will compete in Madrid.

As a result, the only significant points both players have to defend will be at the subsequent Masters in Rome. In the 2025 edition, Sinner returned to action following a three-month suspension and faced Alcaraz in the final. The Spaniard emerged victorious, which means that while the Italian will be defending 600 points, Alcaraz must defend 1,000.

When could Alcaraz return?

When Alcaraz announced his withdrawal from the Barcelona Open, he sparked serious concern by stating, “it’s a slightly more serious injury than we all expected”. While there are no specific details regarding his recovery timeline yet, his ultimate goal is to arrive at Roland Garros in peak condition.

With the French Open running from May 24 to June 7, there is a distinct possibility the World No. 2 could skip the Madrid Masters and potentially Rome if he requires more time to heal.

“It’s strange and difficult to sit here for the second time — because I’ve already done it before — and announce that I won’t be able to continue in the tournament. From today’s tests, it’s a slightly more serious injury than we all expected and, honestly, I need to listen to my body, to do what’s best for me, so it doesn’t impact me in the future,” Alcaraz told reporters during a press conference held on Wednesday.

The World No. 2 sustained the injury during his tournament debut against Otto Virtanen. While leading 5-4 in the first set, Alcaraz headed to his bench and requested a physiotherapist, who proceeded to tape the affected area. Although the Spaniard managed to finish and win the match 6-4, 6-2, the persistent wrist issues made it impossible for him to continue in the tournament.

Is this a problem for 2026 Roland Garros?

Alcaraz’s injury comes at a precarious time, given that the clay-court season has only just begun with several major tournaments still on the horizon. However, Alcaraz is expected to do everything in his power to be ready for the clay-court Grand Slam, where he aims to defend the title he won by defeating Jannik Sinner in 2025.

This could mean skipping upcoming events to ensure he is fit for Roland Garros, which is scheduled to run from May 24 to June 7. While no specific recovery timeline has been released, there is a strong possibility the World No. 2 could miss the Madrid Masters 1000, where he was scheduled to debut around April 24 or 25.

Should he bypass the Spanish capital, his return could potentially be delayed until the Rome Masters 1000 (May 6–17), the final major tune-up before the French Open.

A familiar setback for Alcaraz

This situation mirrors 2024, when Alcaraz battled injuries that sidelined him for key stretches of the clay season. A right arm injury forced him out of both the Monte-Carlo Masters and the Barcelona Open that year.

While he managed to compete in Madrid, reaching the quarterfinals, the Spaniard ultimately had to withdraw from Rome to ensure he was in peak condition for the Roland Garros fortnight.

“Congratulations Jannik Sinner and your team for the title, a spectacular run! We keep moving forward; there is a long way to go in this clay swing! Next stop, Barcelona!” Alcaraz posted to his X account shortly after the trophy ceremony.

Alcaraz struggled to find an answer for Sinner’s clinical form, as the Italian dictated play for much of the afternoon, particularly during the critical middle stages of the set. Despite the frustration on court, the Spaniard remained a class act, offering a sincere and graceful concession to his rival.

Coming off a string of speculation following a premature exit at the Miami Open—where even Rafael Nadal stepped in to defend the former World No. 1—Alcaraz silenced many doubters with his run to the final. Ultimately, however, he simply ran into a version of Sinner that played near-flawless tennis when it mattered most.

Key highlights in the Monte Carlo final

Alcaraz leaned on his elite clay-court craft, attempting to manipulate the surface where he has long been the ATP’s standard-bearer. However, Sinner consistently neutralized that variety with devastating cross-court forehands that pinned Alcaraz deep behind the baseline.

After Alcaraz threatened to take control early, Sinner appeared poised to force a deciding set, finding his rhythm as the match progressed. A pivotal turning point arrived at 4-4 in the second set; while Alcaraz’s signature transition from defense to offense kept him within striking distance, Sinner’s relentless pace eventually proved too much to overcome.

Statistically, the match hinged on the serve; Alcaraz managed to win 78% of his first-serve points, a mark that helped him survive several of Sinner’s aggressive return games. With the Monte Carlo trophy decided, both stars now shift their focus to the upcoming challenges in Barcelona as the road to Roland Garros intensifies.

[Watch Carlos Alcaraz vs Jannik Sinner live in the USA on Fubo]

All eyes turn to a blockbuster championship showdown as Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner square off for the title in what promises to be a can’t-miss final between two of the sport’s fiercest young stars. Alcaraz punched his ticket with a controlled 6-4, 6-4 win over Valentin Vacherot.

Sinner, meanwhile, arrives in dominant form after a statement 6-1, 6-4 victory against Alexander Zverev. With both players peaking at the right time and the trophy on the line, expect a high-intensity battle as these rivals leave everything on the court in a final no tennis fan should miss.

When will the Carlos Alcaraz vs Jannik Sinner match be played?

Carlos Alcaraz plays against Jannik Sinner in the 2026 Monte-Carlo Masters Final this Sunday, April 12. The action will start at 10:00 AM (ET).

Carlos Alcaraz vs Jannik Sinner: Time by State in the USA

ET: 10:00 AM
CT: 9:00 AM
MT: 8:00 AM
PT: 7:00 AM

How to watch Carlos Alcaraz vs Jannik Sinner in the USA

Don’t miss this electrifying 2026 Monte-Carlo Masters clash between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner live on Fubo. Other options: Tennis Channel.