“Sinner recorded a straight sets win – 7-6(5) 6-3 – in Sunday’s final, capping a remarkable run to become just the second player to win the ‘Sunshine Double’ and Monte Carlo in the same season – a feat previously achieved only by Novak Djokovic in 2015”

“It marked the 24-year-old’s fourth consecutive Masters 1000 crown following triumphs in Paris, Indian Wells and Miami, and his eighth Masters title overall”

“The last time the pair met was nearly five months ago when Sinner beat Alcaraz in the ATP Finals title clash and fans had been eagerly looking forward to the next chapter of the ‘Sincaraz’ rivalry”

“Playing in blustery conditions, both players struggled initially as they traded early breaks until Alcaraz found his groove first, unleashing winners past Sinner when he caught the Italian wrong-footed on the baseline on a few occasions”

“Alcaraz also used the disguised drop shot to good effect to catch Sinner off guard”

“Sinner was forced to work hard while trailing 6-5, but he held his nerve to force a tiebreak where his first serve proved decisive, clinching the opener when Alcaraz double-faulted on set point”

“Alcaraz struck early in the second set, consolidating a break to lead 3-1 with a couple of impressive returns that had fans leaping to their feet”