Jannik Sinner matches Roger Federer’s record in Monte Carlo.

The Monte Carlo Masters is igniting the 2026 tennis season, delivering intense emotions from the first round and already featuring major stars leaving their mark on the competition. With historic victories, unexpected upsets, and tense confrontations, this tournament in the Principality promises to shake up the ATP circuit. Discover now the five moments that defined yesterday at the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters that you cannot miss!

1. Jannik Sinner equals a legendary feat of Roger Federer

The young Italian prodigy Jannik Sinner once again impressed in Monte Carlo, crushing Ugo Humbert with a dominant display of 6-3, 6-0 on Court Rainier III. After claiming the “Sunshine Double” — consecutive titles at Indian Wells and Miami — Sinner now extends his winning streak to an incredible 13 consecutive victories in Masters 1000, a record not seen since Roger Federer in 2017.

According to OptaAce, Sinner is the first player since Federer to win the first 13 matches in a Masters 1000 in a single season. The Italian is clearly establishing himself as one of the greatest talents in world tennis, with an impressive first serve efficiency (91% of points won against Humbert) and a consistency that brings him closer to the biggest names in the history of the sport.

This sequence began in Indian Wells, where he defeated prominent names such as Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev, culminating in the title. This was followed by a victory in Miami, making him only the eighth man to complete the famous “Sunshine Double.” A season start that promises a fierce battle for the top of the world rankings, where Sinner is trying to dethrone Carlos Alcaraz.

2. The end of an era: Grigor Dimitrov falls out of the Top 100 after 14 years

In news that shocks the tennis world: Grigor Dimitrov, who has been continuously in the ATP Top 100 for 14 years, saw this impressive streak come to an end after a tough first-round defeat at the Masters in Monte Carlo against Tomas Martin Etcheverry (6-4, 2-6, 6-3).

Dimitrov, who once reached world number 3 and was a constant presence on the circuit, is struggling with a disastrous start to the season — just two wins in nine matches — and also with the aftermath of injuries that affected him last year, including a serious pectoral muscle injury at Wimbledon. Now, to play at Roland Garros, the Bulgarian will need a wild card, as he does not have enough points for direct entry.

This outcome is a harsh blow for one of the most charismatic and talented players of the last decade, who sees his reign of consistency come to an end at a challenging moment in his career.

3. The cold handshake between Luciano Darderi and Hubert Hurkacz that did not go unnoticed

In the duel between Polish player Hubert Hurkacz and Italian Luciano Darderi, there was more than just a battle on the court. Despite Hurkacz struggling to secure the win (7-6(4), 5-7, 6-1), the moment that stood out was the final handshake the young Italian gave his opponent — quick, tense, and without any exchange of words, demonstrating clear friction between the two.

Hurkacz, who is fighting to regain his best level after a knee injury and a recent split from his coach, managed to break a cycle of 77 days without victories. He is now preparing to face Fábián Marozsán in the second round, in an attempt to revive his career on the circuit.

4. Alex De Minaur avenged his defeat against Cameron Norrie in an electrifying duel

In a clash that promised excitement and did not disappoint, Alex De Minaur and Cameron Norrie staged an intense battle in the second round of Monte Carlo. The Australian, seeded number 5, won 7-6 (5), 2-6, 6-2 in a contest of nerves and skill.

After losing the first set in a tie-break and watching Norrie dominate the second set with five consecutive games, De Minaur showed his resilience by regaining control in the third and decisive set, breaking his opponent’s serve twice and securing the victory.

This triumph had a special taste for De Minaur, who avenged his defeat to Norrie just a month ago at the Indian Wells Masters. On Instagram, the Australian expressed his satisfaction: “First win on clay. What a battle! Always a tough clash against Cam. See you on Thursday!”

5. Carlos Alcaraz remains unstoppable and dispels doubts about his leadership

Despite admitting that he could lose the world number one ranking to Sinner, Spanish player Carlos Alcaraz decisively defeated Sebastian Baez (6-1, 6-3) in Monte Carlo, demonstrating that he is not willing to give up ground so easily.

With 14 consecutive wins on clay—matching his best record on this surface—Alcaraz continues to display impressive form, a result of his consecutive titles last year at the Italian Open and Roland Garros. The Spaniard is now one step away from breaking this record, facing either Tomas Martin Etcheverry or Terence Atmane in the next round, with a real possibility of crossing paths with names like Jiri Lehecka or Gael Monfils in the later stages.

Monte Carlo is showing that 2026 will be a year of intense emotions in tennis, with young stars challenging legends and icons fighting to maintain their place at the top. Get ready for more surprises and epic matches in the coming days!

This article first appeared on Apito Final.