Sinner to Return as World No.1 After Zverev's Monte Carlo Exit

Jannik Sinner will reclaim the ATP world No.1 ranking upon his return at the Rome Masters, after Alexander Zverev lost in the Monte Carlo second round. Sinner, serving a doping ban set to end on May 4, saw his closest rival miss the chance to overtake him. Carlos Alcaraz also fell short of the top spot opportunity.

Zverev's Early Monte Carlo Exit Secures Sinner's Return as World No.1
 

Jannik Sinner is set to make his ATP comeback at next month's Rome Masters as the world’s top-ranked player, following Alexander Zverev’s surprise second-round defeat at the Monte Carlo Masters.

The 23-year-old Italian, who accepted a three-month suspension earlier this year after a ruling by the World Anti-Doping Agency overturned a previous tribunal decision, will officially reclaim the No.1 ranking when his ban expires on May 4.

Zverev, Sinner’s closest rival in the ATP rankings, had a window of opportunity to take the top spot during Sinner’s absence. However, the German failed to progress beyond the quarter-finals in any of the six events he contested post-Australian Open. His latest disappointment came on Tuesday, where he was edged out by fellow Italian Matteo Berrettini 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 in Monte Carlo.

"This has been one of the lowest stretches of my career since coming back from injury," Zverev admitted. "I had a strong start, but after getting broken in the second set, everything fell apart. My game dropped dramatically — slower shots, less aggression, same problems as before."

Meanwhile, world number three Carlos Alcaraz, who also had a shot at reclaiming the top spot, is due to open his Monte Carlo campaign later on Wednesday against Francisco Cerundolo. With both Alcaraz and Zverev falling short, Sinner's return as world number one is now officially confirmed.

— Reuters