Chalien Dantes 

Jannik Sinner’s flawless run at ATP Masters events hit a minor snag in Monte Carlo, but the Italian still booked his spot in the quarter finals with a hard-fought 6-1, 6-7(3-7), 6-3 win over Tomas Machac.

 Sinner, who had not dropped a set in 186 days while claiming Masters 1000 titles in Paris, Indian Wells, and Miami, saw his streak of 37 consecutive sets end when Machac took the second set tiebreak.

Despite the hiccup, Sinner regained his rhythm in the decider, securing his 19th straight victory at a Masters tournament. The second seed, still chasing his first clay court Masters 1000 title, will face sixth-seeded Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime in the last eight.

A win in Monte Carlo could also propel Sinner to the world number one spot, overtaking Carlos Alcaraz when the rankings are updated on Monday. With no ranking points to defend until the Italian Open in May, Sinner is in prime position to make a major leap on clay this season.