World No. 2 Jannik Sinner defeated Tomas Machac 6-1, 6-7(3), 6-3 to reach the quarterfinals of the Monte Carlo Masters despite dizziness, back issues, and fatigue. In a post-match press conference, the Italian downplayed the battle for ATP No. 1 with Carlos Alcaraz, prioritizing titles and clay majors like Roland Garros over points.
Sinner dominated the first set in 30 minutes but struggled in the second, losing serve twice and the tiebreak 7-3, prompting a medical timeout for back discomfort and dizziness. Machac also received treatment for his elbow. Sinner recovered to break early in the third set for a two-hour win, ending a streak of 37 straight sets won at ATP Masters 1000 events—this was his first set dropped in his last 18 such matches. Leading the ATP in consistency after the Sunshine Double (Indian Wells and Miami, 12-match streak), Sinner has narrowed the ranking gap to No. 1 Alcaraz to 1,190 points.
"It was a tough match, I was struggling a bit in the second set, I was a bit tired today. I hope I can recover for tomorrow," Sinner said. He withdrew from doubles with Zizou Bergs after one win due to the demanding schedule.
Addressing the No. 1 race, Sinner dismissed chasing points: "Carlos and I are both aware of the situation, but we play to win titles: the ranking is secondary for now. I’m not chasing the number 1 spot, otherwise I would also be playing next week." He skipped next week's Barcelona Open (where Alcaraz defends 330 points from last year's final), viewing Monte Carlo as ideal clay prep despite low expectations. His main goal: "Roland Garros this year."
Sinner faces sixth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime in the quarterfinals (leads head-to-head 4-2), who advanced past Marin Cilic and via walkover over Casper Ruud. Coach Simone Vagnozzi noted Madrid is planned but flexible: "It’s more a mental question than physical." Sinner has never advanced past the quarterfinals in Madrid or reached the Monte Carlo final, joining Alcaraz in the last eight.
