With Alexander Zverev's loss to Matteo Berrettini in the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters 1000, Jannik Sinner gained the mathematical certainty of staying at the top of the ATP ranking at least until his return to the ATP tour at the Rome Masters 1000 in May.
Despite only playing the Australian Open in 2025 before reaching an agreement with WADA for a three-month suspension, the Italian ace was able to benefit from the disappointing results of Sascha Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz to maintain his leadership in the ATP ranking.
The German champion entered a deep crisis after being brutally defeated by Jannik at Melbourne Park, a blow that left traces in the mind of Sascha who no longer played his best tennis suffering several shocking defeats between February and March.
ADVERTISEMENT
The player from Hamburg had comfortably won the first set against Matteo Berrettini in the Principality, before turning off the light allowing the former world number 6 to complete a truly spectacular comeback thanks to the support of the crowd (largely made up of Italian fans).
Carlitos didn't take advantage of the absence of his top rival Sinner either, considering he lifted just one trophy in Rotterdam in February. The 21-year-old Spaniard didn't particularly shine in the Masters 1000 in Indian Wells and Miami either, before admitting that the pressure of being able to return to the top of the ATP ranking killed him.
Carlitos must win four tournaments in a row
Zverev has no chance of becoming world No.1 until after Roland Garros, where he reached the final last year, while Alcaraz would need a real miracle to dethrone Jannik before the second major of the season.
ADVERTISEMENT
The champion from Murcia is expected to win Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Madrid and Rome, hoping that his top rival will be eliminated on his debut at the Foro Italico.
Barring shocking surprises, it is very likely that Sinner will complete an entire calendar year at the top of the ATP ranking. This milestone would be deserved for what the 23-year-old Italian has done from January 2024 until today.
