Carlos Alcaraz: “I’m going to lose the number one”

April 8, 2026 Oliver Obel

Carlos Alcaraz says he expects to lose his grip on the world No. 1 ranking as the clay-court season gets underway, acknowledging the challenge posed by rival Jannik Sinner and a demanding stretch of tournaments ahead.

Speaking after his second-round win over Sebastian Baez at the Monte-Carlo Masters, Alcaraz struck a candid tone about the rankings race.

“To be honest, I’m going to lose the number one of the world,” he said in his post-match interview.
“I don’t know if it’s going to be in this tournament or in the next one.”

The Monte-Carlo event marks the start of a crucial stretch on clay that continues through Rome and into the French Open, where Alcaraz defeated Sinner in last year’s final.

That success now comes with a cost. Under the ATP’s rolling 52-week ranking system, Alcaraz must defend a large number of points across those tournaments—points that Sinner, in some cases, does not have to match.

“I defend a bunch of points that are going to be really difficult to defend all,” Alcaraz said.
“Even if I defend them, Jannik is going to add some points in these tournaments and he doesn’t have to defend any points in this tournament.”

Heading into Monte-Carlo, the gap between the two stands at 1,190 points. But because Sinner did not play the event last year, he has a clear opportunity to close that margin quickly.

In practical terms, the Italian could overtake the top ranking if he reaches the semi-finals and Alcaraz fails to defend his title.

For now, though, Alcaraz suggested he is not focused on the mathematics of the rankings. Instead, his priority is regaining comfort on clay after the transition from hard courts.

“For me, the number one of the sport is not in my mind right now,” he said.
“I’m just trying to feel as good as I can on the clay court, and let’s see how it’s going to be on the clay swing.”

Whether or not the ranking changes in the coming weeks, the rivalry between Alcaraz and Sinner is once again shaping the direction of the men’s game as the season moves onto its most demanding surface.

Sources: ATP Tour rankings, Monte-Carlo Masters post-match interviews, SportBible