“It was also painful”: Kim Clijsters reflects after Sinner overturns Alcaraz in Monte-Carlo final
ATP
Kim Clijsters addressed the dynamic between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz following the 2026 Monte-Carlo Masters final, where Sinner defeated Alcaraz 7-6(5), 6-3 to claim the title, return to World No. 1 and push the Spaniard down to No. 2 in the ATP rankings.
The result marked a significant shift in their rivalry. It was Sinner’s first Masters 1000 title on clay and his first win over Alcaraz in a clay-court final, reversing the outcome of the 2025 Roland Garros final. The Italian has now won Indian Wells, Miami and Monte-Carlo in succession, becoming only the second player after Novak Djokovic to complete that sequence in a single season.
Alcaraz arrived in Monte-Carlo as defending champion and had built much of his advantage over Sinner on clay, making the result particularly relevant in the context of their head-to-head. With both players consistently reaching the latter stages of Masters events, their meetings continue to shape the ranking battle at the top of the ATP Tour.
Clijsters’ focus moved beyond the result, pointing instead to the interaction between the two players. Their behaviour during and after matches, including Alcaraz remaining courtside during Sinner’s celebrations, has become a central element of how their rivalry is perceived.
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A rivalry defined by proximity, not distance
Clijsters identified the Sinner–Alcaraz relationship as different from earlier rivalries, where leading players often maintained distance from each other off court. In this case, she noted a more open dynamic, visible in Monte-Carlo and across previous meetings.
She pointed out that this approach has generated discussion, particularly given the stakes involved when two players competing directly for the No. 1 ranking face each other in finals.
“Yeah, the conditions were tough. It was very windy. But people even talk about it and say it’s kind of weird to see a rivalry where you feel like they’re really good friends and there’s so much respect for each other.”
Clijsters contrasted this with past rivalries, where interactions were more limited and often shaped by competitive separation rather than familiarity.
“There have been so many rivalries where players can’t stand each other and try to stay away as much as possible. Whereas with these guys, they really embrace it. There’s a lot of respect, but they also enjoy it.”
The context of their recent meetings reinforces that contrast. Despite competing for the top ranking and splitting key results across surfaces, both players have maintained a consistent pattern of interaction that reflects mutual respect rather than distance.
The emotional cost remains unchanged
Clijsters emphasised that this visible respect does not reduce the internal demands of competition. The outcome of matches at this level continues to carry significant emotional weight, regardless of how players interact off court.
She referenced the Monte-Carlo final directly, where Alcaraz remained present during Sinner’s post-match celebrations, framing it as an example of behaviour that is both respectful and difficult. “Alcaraz actually stayed and watched the guy that just beat him celebrate. I was always good at giving my opponent their moment, but it was also painful.”
She added that reactions to this type of rivalry vary, with some preferring a more traditional dynamic between leading players. “To go and see them celebrate is something that is hurtful at times as well. Some people like that, and others say they want real rivalry.”
The result itself reinforces the competitive stakes behind these interactions. Sinner’s victory not only secured the Monte-Carlo title but also confirmed his ability to translate his hard-court dominance onto clay, a surface where Alcaraz had previously held the edge.
With the clay season continuing through Madrid and Rome before Roland Garros, both players are expected to remain central to the title race. Their consistency, combined with their head-to-head frequency in later rounds, continues to define the structure at the top of the ATP Tour.
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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