New Delhi: Jannik Sinner defeated defending champion Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(5) 6-3 in the final in Monte Carlo for his maiden Masters title on clay court and return to the world number one ranking.

Sinner became only the second player after Novak Djokovic in 2015 to bag the ‘Sunshine Double’ and Monte Carlo in the same season, and in the process wrestle back the World No. 1 rank from Alcaraz.

Sinner now has won four successive Masters 1000 crown after triumphs in Paris, Indian Wells and Miami, and his eighth Masters title in total.

SCENES 🙌🥹@janniksin #RolexMonteCarloMasters pic.twitter.com/n8v82rGcUb

— ATP Tour (@atptour)

“We came here just trying to get as many matches as possible before other big tournaments coming up. Today was a very high level from both of us,” the Italian said in an on-court interview after his win.

“It was a bit windy, breezy — completely different conditions the tournament has brought until today.

“The result (is) amazing, getting back to number one means a lot to me. At the same time, as I always say, the ranking is secondary. I’m very happy to win at least one big trophy on this surface.”

In their last meeting nearly five months ago, Sinner had beaten Alcaraz in the ATP Finals title clash in the burgeoning ‘Sincaraz’ rivalry.

“It’s impressive what you are achieving right now… Just one man in the Open Era won the Sunshine Double and then Monte Carlo, and you are the second one to achieve it,” Alcaraz said.

“It’s something incredible and I just experienced how difficult it is to make that happen. So congratulations for everything, for the work you are doing with your team.”