Match Report
Alcaraz ends Vacherot’s run, sets No. 1 shootout with Sinner in Monte-Carlo final
Pair will face off for first time in 2026 on Sunday in Monaco
April 11, 2026
Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz in action against Valentin Vacherot on Saturday at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters.
By Andy West
Carlos Alcaraz ended home favourite Valentin Vacherot’s fairytale Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters run with a typically classy semi-final display on Saturday afternoon. In doing so, the No. 1 player in the PIF ATP Rankings set a blockbuster final against his great rival, Jannik Sinner.
The 22-year-old Alcaraz edged a spirited Vacherot 6-4, 6-4 on Court Rainier III to keep alive his hopes of successfully defending his title at the clay ATP Masters 1000 event. The Spaniard expertly countered the big-serving, big-hitting game of Vacherot, whom the engrossed home crowd supported vociferously throughout. Alcaraz converted three of four break points he earned en route to his 84-minute victory, according to Infosys ATP Stats.
Carlitos Coming Through 💪
Carlos Alcaraz defeats home favourite Vacherot 6-4, 6-4 to reach the Monte-Carlo final #rolexmontecarlomasters pic.twitter.com/t96t2oxLtt
— ATP Tour (@atptour) April 11, 2026
With Sinner having earlier triumphed 6-1, 6-4 against Alexander Zverev in the day’s first semi-final, fans in Monte-Carlo and around the world can now look forward to the first meeting between Alcaraz and Sinner in 2026. Alcaraz will enter Sunday’s final, which is scheduled for 3 p.m. local time (CEST), with a 10-6 lead in the pair’s Lexus ATP Head2Head series.
There will be a double prize on offer to the winner of Alcaraz and Sinner’s Monte-Carlo showdown. As well as taking the trophy at the opening clay Masters 1000 of the year, whoever prevails will also be World No. 1 on Monday. Sinner is attempting to end the reign of incumbent Alcaraz, who this week tied Sinner for total weeks spent as No. 1 (66).
More to follow…
