ATP Monte Carlo Masters: Alcaraz and Sinner Renew Battle for World No. 1, Zhang Zhizhen as Alternate No. 3 Misses Entry

Beijing time April 3, the main draw singles entry list for the 2026 ATP 1000 Monte Carlo Masters was released. Alcaraz and Sinner, as the top two seeds, are placed in the upper and lower halves respectively, and will compete for the top ranking at this event. As the only non-mandatory Masters tournament, Zverev, Musetti, de Minaur, Aliassime, Medvedev, and Bublič are among the top eight seeds, also enjoying a first-round bye.

Defending champion Alcaraz (Photo: Visual China)

Defending champion Alcaraz won three consecutive titles during last year's clay season, successfully securing all major clay court championships. His first opponent in the defense campaign will be determined between Argentine player Baez and the 2014 tournament champion Wawrinka, who enters with a wildcard. The seeded players in his section are Tiafoe, Lehečka, and Bublič.

Since Sinner was under suspension before last year's Rome Masters, he has no points to defend in the early part of the clay season, and he has the opportunity to reclaim the world No. 1 ranking at this event. His first opponent will be the winner between wildcard youngster Kwame and Humbert. The seeded players in his quarter are F. Cerundolo, Ruud, and Aliassime.

Conditions for Sinner to reclaim world No. 1 after Monte Carlo

• Win the final against Alcaraz

• Reach the final and Alcaraz stops in the semifinals

• Advance to the semifinals and Alcaraz exits before the semifinals

Despite withdrawals announced before the draw by Djokovic, Fritz, Draper, Davidovich Fokina, Fils, Munar, and Korda, the sole Chinese player registered for this event, Zhang Zhizhen, ultimately ranked as alternate No. 3 for the main draw and regrettably failed to gain entry. He also did not enter the qualifying event, so this tournament may feature no Chinese players.

Top eight seed matchups

[1] Alcaraz vs Bublič [8]

[4] Musetti vs de Minaur [5]

[7] Medvedev vs Zverev [3]

[6] Aliassime vs Sinner [2]

Notable first-round matches

Baez vs Wawrinka

Echeverri vs Dimitrov

Fonseca vs Diallo

Lindeknech vs Khachanov

Rublev vs Borges

F. Cerundolo vs Tsitsipas

Full draw

The Monte Carlo Masters is one of the longest-running tournaments in tennis history, second only to the French Open among all clay court events; the venue, Monte Carlo Country Club, nestled between mountains and sea, is considered one of the most beautiful tennis courts in the world. This year's event will take place from April 5 to 12, with total prize money reaching €6,309,095. The singles champion will earn 1000 ranking points and €974,307 in prize money.

(Text, Editor: Dato)