If there’s one thing the rivalry between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz has shown, it’s that they’re more than just rivals. Watch them closely, and it often feels like there’s genuine friendship there, no bad blood, just mutual respect and sportsmanship.

They push each other to be better, trading the World No. 1 spot and raising the level every time they meet. And even in defeat, neither hesitates to acknowledge the other, always ready to appreciate and celebrate each other’s success, despite being on opposite sides of the result.

So when Jannik Sinner won the Monte Carlo Masters, Carlos Alcaraz wasn’t dwelling on the loss. Instead, he was quick to show his appreciation, congratulating him with a simple, “Great job, great stuff man, congrats.”

And that wasn’t all.

As part of the celebrations, Sinner took on the traditional champion’s pool jump at the Monte-Carlo Country Club. It’s a ritual often seen in Monaco, much like in Formula 1, where winners take a celebratory dive. But this one came with a twist. Sinner had to jump from quite a height, and at first, he looked a bit unsure, even asking, “How high is it?”

Still, he went for it, and pulled it off with ease, while Alcaraz stood nearby, filming the moment. The Spaniard was enjoying the moment, no bitterness, just pure admiration.

Interestingly, Alcaraz had done the same jump at the venue last year after winning the title. He might’ve hoped to repeat it, but this time, Sinner had the final say, claiming the trophy and continuing his dominant run at the Masters level.

Notably, this was Sinner’s fourth victory over Alcaraz in the nine finals that they have played so far against each other. While the Spaniard still leads the H2H by 10-7, his rival will surpass him soon if it continues to go like this.

It is also the third time that Sinner has managed to claim the No. 1 position on the rankings. He had previously ascended to the top in November last year but had gotten dethroned by Alcaraz after just one week. The 24-year-old will be aiming to stay at the top for a much longer period this time around.

While taking over the rankings is a monumental achievement for anyone, Sinner remarked that winning the final was a bigger deal for him.

“It means a lot to me. At the same time, the ranking is secondary. I’m very happy to win at least one big trophy on this surface. I haven’t done it before. It means a lot to me,” he had said during his on-court interview after the final.

On the other hand, Alcaraz was humble in defeat as usual and hailed Sinner for claiming victory in the first three Masters tournaments this year.

“It is impressive what you are achieving right now. Just one man had won the ‘Sunshine Double’ and Monte-Carlo and you are now the second. It is something incredible and I just experienced how difficult it is. Congratulations for everything and the work you are doing with your team,” the Spaniard stated after the match.

Additionally, Sinner also went on to achieve historic feat with his victory over Alcaraz in the final.

Jannik Sinner equals Djokovic and Nadal’s rare feat

The triumph in the final of the Monte Carlo Masters saw Sinner clinch his fourth-consecutive Masters title. He had previously won the Paris Masters last year before becoming just the eighth men’s player to complete a ‘Sunshine Double’ last month. The victory in Monaco meant that Sinner became just the third player in history to win four Masters titles in a row after Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.

The Spaniard had achieved the rare feat back in 2013 with his triumphs in Madrid, Rome, Montreal and Cincinnati. On the other hand, Djokovic has achieved the streak on three separate occasions throughout his career. Sinner also became just the second player after Djokovic to win the opening three Masters tournaments of the year.

Moreover, Sinner has now extended his winning streak in Masters tournaments to 22 matches and has only lost one set in the process. It is safe to say that he will be staying at the top of the rankings for quite some time if he manages to continue this form as the season progresses.

Both Sinner and Alcaraz will be in action at the Madrid Masters next that will commence from April 22. While the Italian will be brimming with confidence coming into the tournament, the onus will be on the Spaniard to deliver in his home event. Who do you think will claim the prestigious Masters title in the Spanish capital?

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR