“Zizou would never have dared to ask Sinner, so he was quite surprised" - Jannik Sinner set to continue voyage into doubles with Zizou Bergs in Monaco

Jannik Sinner has been a busy man of late, but that has not stopped him from adding more tennis matches to his calendar. Ahead of the Monte-Carlo Masters, it was noted that he would be partnering up with Zizou Bergs in the doubles competition. It will be an honour for the Belgian, with his father, Koen, picturing how this partnership came about.

Bergs is currently rising up the ranks on the ATP Tour, becoming a familiar name in the big tournaments. Currently sitting at the world number 46 mark, he is the number one Belgian player. He climbed to a high of 39 in the world, and many feel that there is more in the tank for progression in the sport.

He will be among the big names to feature in the third Masters 1000 tournament of the year, and the first on clay as players make the transition from hardcourt to clay once more. More matches on the surface will lead to getting used to it quicker, and that will be the case once Bergs steps onto the court with Sinner.

The world number two has made a knack of playing doubles in the past. His most recent venture came at Indian Wells, where tall American Reilly Opelka was his chosen compatriot. The double appearances have been rare as of late. Before that, he only stepped out onto the court once in this category with Lorenzo Sonego at the Halle Open. The likes of Jack Draper, Hubert Hurkacz and Alex de Minaur have also partnered with the four-time Grand Slam champion. Bergs will be the latest addition to this list.

Koen explained how this partnership came about.“Zizou and Jannik played against each other for the first time at the Masters 1000 in Paris last year," he told Ubitennis. "This year, they trained together in Indian Wells, and after that, Jannik asked him to play doubles together in Monte Carlo.”

The 26-year-old must have done something to impress Sinner in this timeframe. “Zizou would never have dared to ask Sinner, so he was quite surprised. I think Jannik likes Zizou's attitude and personality.”

There is, however, a shadow of doubt over Sinner's involvement in the tournament, especially in the doubles event. With just a week to recover from what was a really busy but productive Sunshine swing, the Italian could see the doubles tournament as too much tennis at this current time, solely focusing on the singles.

He joined a coveted group to have completed the Sunshine double. He commenced this quest by defeating Daniil Medvedev in the final at Indian Wells before giving Jiri Lehecka little chance in the Miami Open without dropping a set in either tournament. After a slightly slow start, the 24-year-old is well and truly in form as he looks to close his rival Alcaraz down at the top of the rankings.

A whole load more points will be on offer at the Monte-Carlo Masters. Alcaraz will see 1000 points come off his overall tally after winning the event last year. Sinner, who was suspended this time last year, has nothing to defend as he eyes up a golden opportunity to not only gain ground on the Spaniard but surpass him entirely.

Along with winning the title, this will be his main focus, and possibly his only one if he pulls the plug on the doubles tournament.“We know very well that Jannik will decide whether to actually play the doubles or not," Koen added. "He just won the Sunshine Double, so it’s possible that he wants to rest a bit. On the other hand, he could gain a lot of points since he didn't participate last year. Let’s wait and see.”

The Monte-Carlo Masters will take place from April 5-12 with the biggest names in action at the prestigious tournament.