Jannik Sinner beats Carlos Alcaraz, wins Monte Carlo Masters, returns to No.1

Monte Carlo: Jannik Sinner beat Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets to win the Monte Carlo Masters for the first time Sunday and reclaim the world number one ranking from his Spanish rival.

Sinner downed Alcaraz 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 to capture his third ATP 1000 title of the year after completing the "Sunshine Double" last month with victories in Indian Wells and Miami.

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The 24-year-old Sinner joins Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal as only the third player to win four successive ATP 1000 titles, having also triumphed in Paris at the end of last season.

It was the first meeting between Sinner and Alcaraz since the Italian prevailed at the ATP Finals in November.

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Sinner, who is now 7-10 in his career against Alcaraz, will return to the top of the rankings Monday for the first time this year.

He has won his last 17 matches and becomes the first man since Djokovic in 2015 to win the first three ATP 1000 titles of the season.