Jannik Sinner advances to Monte Carlo semifinals with quarterfinal win over Felix Auger-Aliassime

Jannik Sinner celebrates quarterfinal victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime at Monte Carlo Masters.

Jannik Sinner defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime in the Monte Carlo Masters quarterfinals Friday to reach the semifinals. The Italian world No. 2 won 6-4, 7-5 in straight sets on Court Rainier III. Sinner converted key breaks in both sets to secure the 95-minute match.

Sinner entered as the heavy favorite after dropping his first set in 186 days against Tomas Machac in the round of 16. He ended a 37-match set streak at Masters 1000 events but regrouped for the three-set victory. Auger-Aliassime fought back in the second set before Sinner closed on serve.

A Monte Carlo title lifts Sinner to world No. 1 when rankings update Monday. He holds no points to defend until the French Open after a 2025 doping suspension. The 24-year-old seeks his first clay Masters 1000 crown following Sunshine Double sweeps in Indian Wells and Miami without losing a set.

Auger-Aliassime, seeded sixth, impressed with baseline rallies but faltered on big points. Sinner leads their head-to-head 5-2, including ATP Finals wins. The Canadian saved three match points in a prior encounter but could not repeat.

Sinner dominated hard courts in 2026 with 19-2 record entering clay season. He dispatched Ugo Humbert 6-3, 6-0 in the second round. Recent titles include Paris Masters defense and Australian Open runs.

Semifinal opponent awaits from Carlos Alcaraz or Alexander Bublik matchup. Alcaraz leads ATP rankings narrowly over Sinner. Monte Carlo marks first clay clash since Sinner's Wimbledon triumph over Alcaraz last summer.

Sinner praised Auger-Aliassime's level post-match. Heavy rain delays cleared for quarterfinal play. Tournament progresses to semis Saturday