Sinner: "I still need time to realize what has happened"

Iker Jiménez | 12 Apr 2026 | 19.19

Sinner: "I still need a little time to realize what has happened". Source: Getty

Streaming ATP Munich MD live tennis

🎾 Schnaitter/Wallner vs Arribage/Olivetti

Sign up with Bet365 here
Make your first deposit of at least €5
Go to the “Live” section and watch every match

Watch the match on Bet365

Jannik Sinner culminated a perfect week at the Masters 1000 in Monte Carlo with a significant victory over Carlos Alcaraz in the final (7-6(5), 6-3). The Italian triumphed in a highly demanding showdown, claiming his first title in the Principality and, as an added reward, regaining the world number 1 ranking on a Sunday of absolute consecration also on clay.

Beyond the trophy, the triumph holds a special dimension due to the context. Sinner's first major title on this surface, victory over his generational rival, and a confirmation that his dominance transcends surfaces. After the match, the Italian shared insightful reflections on the week, his surprise at the level displayed, and what he has learned from this clash with Alcaraz.

First major title on clay

"It has been an incredible week. Some really good matches from my side, so I am very, very happy. I tried to raise my level match after match, and I achieved it, so I am very pleased about that. Winning my first major title on this surface also means a lot to me. Yes, it has been an incredible week."

Sinner, surprised by himself

It hasn't been easy at all. I am surprised in a good way. I think every day I wake up trying to improve and be a better player, and here we have truly done it day by day, trying to understand what the best style of play was against each opponent because I didn't play the same type of tennis against everyone. We made small changes along the way.

So it would be strange to tell you that I am not surprised. I am pleasantly surprised, and of course it means a lot to me. I think I still need a little time to realize what has happened. Now it will be good to have a few days of rest, away from the courts. It has been quite hectic going from one tournament to another. And then we will see what comes next.

Learning from defeating Alcaraz

It was a very strange match because it was very windy. The conditions were not warm, so the ball bounced less, and overall, it was a bit easier to play tennis. But I tried... I think I served very well at key moments in the first set. In the tie-break, I was very, very precise. In the second set, there were ups and downs for both of us. We were both a bit tired because at the end of the tournament, it's normal to feel that way. There was a lot of tension for both of us. But I feel it was a good match, both on his part and mine. There are small details in which he will surely improve for the next match against me, and I have to be prepared for that. But for now, I also want to enjoy this moment.

Upcoming challenges on clay

It means I'm still taking steps forward. But for him, it was also his first tournament on clay, so he will surely improve from now on. Madrid is a slightly different tournament due to the altitude, where it is very difficult to play, but then Rome and Paris will definitely be tough. We will try to do the same. Now we have very good feedback. I played five matches at a very high level, five matches against totally different opponents. I started with a left-hander and ended with Carlos. Many differences, but I think there are many positives because I had never won a major tournament on this surface. We are happy, but now we will try to prepare as best as possible for the upcoming tournaments.

Surface change since Miami

Winning Indian Wells and Miami is very difficult. Then coming here, having only one day off and preparing for this tournament... we really took it day by day. I tried to play tactically correctly and we prepared very well. Not just this match, but the previous ones too. From Felix, then Sascha, and today. Three different players, with different qualities, so I tried to test myself, both in the good and the bad. Today we tried to do things right. Then you step on the court and there is wind, so you have to adapt a bit. But overall, I am very happy to be surprised.

Support from Italian fans

Yes, I sang the anthem. The anthem is usually sung, right? I am happy. I have always said that it is very nice for me to be Italian because one cannot choose it, one has to be lucky to be Italian. I feel a lot of support from the Italian fans, especially in this tournament, but even if I were to play in America, I would feel it the same because I know there are many Italians at home. We are really a very nice group of guys who play tennis, we have many very strong players. Every week, someone is doing well, so I think this movement is very beautiful for Italian tennis and for the Italian people. I am proud and happy to give something back to this nation.

Serving level

How many times have I been a break up and lost the set? It's the most normal thing. Today it was harder to serve, in my opinion, also because of the wind. And in addition, you have Carlos in front of you. It's a bit different when you have someone in front of you who always returns a ball. But in the first set when it really counted, I served well. In the tie-break, I made all the first serves. I missed the forehand at 6-4, but it was the right decision. Then the match is played in one or two points. Even the second set, which ends 6-3, is decided in two points. I think today the serve didn't make the difference on either side. And for me, that's a bit of a summary of the match.

Return to the world number 1 ranking

Yes, it makes me happy. But I don't change what I said before, my statements. Because right now Carlos and I are very close, it can change from one week to the next. So I think at this moment, it's quite secondary. It would be a lie to say I'm not happy to see the number one next to my name again. It means we are doing things right again. But honestly, I think the most important thing is to prepare well for the upcoming tournaments, have the right mindset, and try to do things right. Then little by little, we will advance. There are two major Slams to play, Paris and London, which are much more important right now. And then we'll see after those tournaments how he is and how I am.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Sinner: "Todavía necesito tiempo para darme cuenta de lo que ha pasado"