The Monte Carlo Masters 1000 delivered a decisive third day on Tuesday, April 7. Carlos Alcaraz, the defending champion, and world number one Jannik Sinner both secured emphatic victories that confirmed their status as overwhelming favorites on the Monegasque clay.
Alcaraz opened proceedings in the early afternoon against Argentina's Sebastian Baez, who had earned his place by defeating Stan Wawrinka in the first round. The Spaniard gave his opponent no chance whatsoever, winning 6-1, 6-3 in just 70 minutes. Dominant in rallies and razor-sharp on return, Alcaraz reminded everyone why he remains the benchmark on these courts he conquered last year (according to ATP.com).
A few hours later, Sinner delivered an even more impressive display against France's Ugo Humbert. The Italian swept through the match 6-3, 6-0, conceding just six points in the second set. A level of play that continues his extraordinary run at Masters 1000 events, where he has been winning with mechanical consistency.
The day also saw the elimination of Grigor Dimitrov, the 14th seed. The Bulgarian fell in three sets to Tomas Martin Etcheverry (6-4, 2-6, 6-3), confirming a difficult 2026 campaign for the 34-year-old veteran. Gaël Monfils, ever popular in Monte Carlo, also bowed out, overpowered by Alexander Bublik in straight sets (6-4, 6-4).
Among other notable results, Casper Ruud managed his opening match comfortably against Alexei Popyrin (6-3, 6-4) with his trademark clay-court solidity. Alex de Minaur had to battle through three sets against Cameron Norrie (7-6, 2-6, 6-2) in a tight encounter that concluded late in the evening. Matteo Berrettini benefited from Roberto Bautista Agut's retirement after just 23 minutes of play (according to tennisuptodate.com).
The draw is shaping up with an expected summit between Alcaraz and Sinner, both players displaying form that appears a cut above the rest. The quarterfinals promise to be thrilling, with potential clashes between the favorites and dangerous outsiders like Etcheverry and Bublik, both capable of upsets on a surface that suits their games.
