"I would definitely vote for him": Usain Bolt picks favourite between Alcaraz and Sinner in Monte-Carlo
ATPThursday, 09 April 2026 at 07:00
The Monte-Carlo Masters continues to blend elite tennis with global visibility, and this week it was Usain Bolt adding to the event’s profile. The Olympic legend attended the tournament and, in a brief interview, weighed in on one of the sport’s current debates. “For me it’s Alcaraz,” Bolt said, offering a clear preference between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Bolt’s appearance comes as both players continue their campaigns in Monte-Carlo. Alcaraz, the defending champion, and Sinner, currently competing in the race for World No. 1, have both advanced through their opening matches to reach the Round of 16, maintaining expected trajectories in the early stages of the clay swing.
The tournament itself remains one of the most prestigious stops on the ATP calendar. As the first Masters 1000 event on clay, Monte-Carlo often serves as an early indicator of form ahead of the European clay season, particularly for players targeting Roland Garros.
Bolt’s comments were not analytical but grounded in personal experience. His preference for Alcaraz was tied directly to a previous meeting, rather than recent results or rankings, adding a different dimension to a rivalry usually framed through performance metrics.
Bolt explains Alcaraz choice and Djokovic comparison
“I met him once in Spain, so I would definitely vote for him,” Bolt said to Eurosport, explaining why he sided with Alcaraz in a debate that continues to define the current ATP landscape.
While Sinner has established himself at the top of the rankings conversation, Bolt’s reasoning remained personal rather than performance-based. The Italian’s consistency and results continue to position him as a central figure in the title race, but in this instance, familiarity influenced the decision.
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The conversation extended beyond current players, shifting towards historical comparisons. When asked to compare his 100m world record (9.58 seconds) with Novak Djokovic’s 24 Grand Slam titles, Bolt was unequivocal.
“24 Grand Slams, without a doubt. He’s a wonderful athlete. I’ve also met him several times and he’s a wonderful person.”
The response reinforces the scale of Djokovic’s achievement within a broader sporting context. While sprinting records are defined by singular performances, Grand Slam success requires sustained dominance across surfaces and seasons.
Monte-Carlo context: Alcaraz defends, Sinner chases
On court, both Alcaraz and Sinner have progressed without major disruption. Alcaraz enters the tournament as defending champion, carrying expectations on a surface where he has already proven effective, while Sinner continues his pursuit of the top ranking with consistent results across surfaces.
Their advancement to the Round of 16 aligns with their status within the draw, with both players expected to feature in the latter stages. Monte-Carlo, however, has historically produced variable conditions, particularly on clay, where momentum shifts and match length often test adaptability.
Alcaraz and Sinner continue to define the current ATP landscape, both through results and stylistic contrast. As the tournament progresses, attention will return to on-court performance. For now, however, Monte-Carlo has once again demonstrated its capacity to attract global figures—and generate conversations that extend beyond the baseline.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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