India, April 12 -- Nearly three and a half months into the fresh season, and we have our first 'Sincaraz' clash. The Australian Open was robbed of it, and so was Indian Wells and Miami Open. But with the start of the clay season, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz will be up against his rival, Jannik Sinner, in the Monte-Carlo Masters, where not just the title, but the world No. 1 ranking will also be at stake.

Alcaraz, the reigning Australian Open winner, ended the fairytale run of local boy Valentin Vacherot in the semifinal on Saturday to reach his first final since his win in Qatar earlier this year and stay on track to defend his title in the principality. The win improved his clay-court record to 26-1 since the start of last year. ...