Sinner beats Alcaraz to win Monte Carlo Masters, returns to No.1

Monte Carlo, Principality of Monaco: 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.

Italy's Jannik Sinner celebrates with the trophy after winning the Monte Carlo ATP Masters Series Tournament final tennis match against Spain's Carlos Alcaraz on Court Rainier III at the Monte-Carlo Country Club in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, south-eastern France on April 12, 2026. (Photo by Valery Hache/ AFP) catcross.biz

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.

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.

الأخبارهانز فليك بين علم فلسطين وشارة الحريات: جدل ازدواجية المواقففي مشهد يعكس جدلية العلاقة بين الرياضة والسياسة، أثارت تصريحات المدرب الألماني هانز فليك جدلًا واسعًا بعدما انتقد موقف النجم الشاب لامين يامال الذي رفع علم فلسطين خلال احتفالات ...فتح →

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.

Doha, Qatar: Following a 0-2 defeat to 10-man Qatar SC in the Qatar Stars League (QSL) yesterday, Al Shamal lodged a formal complaint with the Qatar Football Association (QFA), alleging that the opposition fielded an ineligible player.

The result at Al Bayt Stadium dealt a major blow to Al Shamal’s quest for a maiden title, with the appeal now carrying significant implications ahead of the final round on April 28.

With 42 points, Al Sadd are five clear of Al Shamal, with both sides set to meet on the final matchday.

A ruling on Al Shamal’s appeal could confirm a record-extending 19th QSL title for Al Sadd, who were in action against Al Hilal in the AFC Champions League Elite Round of 16 yesterday.

It was another disappointing night for David Prats’ Al Shamal, who followed their defeat to Al Shahania with a performance defined by early errors and missed opportunities as Qatar SC capitalised on defensive lapses.

A loose clearance from Jeison Ceron off a Joao Pedro long ball fell to Ahmed Al Rawi, who opened the scoring in the seventh minute. Eleven minutes later, goalkeeper Babacar Seck miscontrolled a routine pass, allowing Pedro to double the lead.

Al Shamal responded through Baghdad Bounedjah but lacked precision in the final third, with Qatar SC goalkeeper Ali Nader producing a series of important saves.

The match turned before half-time when Qatar SC were reduced to ten men after Ali Saoudi was sent off for a dangerous challenge on Bounedjah in stoppage time.

Al Shamal pushed forward after the restart. Naim Sliti struck the crossbar, but the breakthrough never came as Nader remained solid throughout.

The result has since been formally challenged by Al Shamal, who confirmed they have lodged an official protest with the Qatar Football Association.

In a club statement, Al Shamal said they are “protesting Qatar SC’s fielding of professional player Franco Russo instead of Ahmed Al Rawi following the expulsion of Ali Saoudi due to a red card received in today’s match,” a rescheduled fixture from the 17th round of the QSL.

The club added that the protest is based on Article 15 of the competition regulations governing player eligibility and matchday squad composition following dismissals.

Al Shamal stated that the regulations “stipulate that if one of the six foreign professional players on the field is sent off or receives a red card, a Qatari/resident player cannot be substituted by a foreign professional player, and the team must continue with five foreign professionals on the field.”

The QFA ation is expected to review the complaint before issuing a ruling that could have implications for the final standings, with the title race awaiting final mathematical and disciplinary confirmation.

In another postponed match yesterday, relegation-threatened Al Sailiya edged Al Arabi 2-1 at Al Thumama Stadium.

Anwar El Ghazi put Al Sailiya ahead in the fifth minute before Younes Belhanda doubled the lead in the 20th minute. Rodri reduced the deficit in the 81st minute, but Al Sailiya held firm to secure a vital win.

The result lifted Al Sailiya to 22 points, moving them clear of the bottom as they now lead Umm Salal and Al Shahania by two points.

Al Arabi remain on 32 points, three behind Al Rayyan, Qatar SC and Al Gharafa in a battle for a top-four finish.

Tested by
Caroline Bridges - Age Group Triathlete

Quick Summary
The BiSaddle Hurricane is a fully adjustable saddle designed to eliminate discomfort by adapting to your body, not the other way around. With its unique split design, it offers a highly personalised fit that can make a real difference for long hours in the saddle.

What we liked

• Fully adjustable width, angle, and profile
• Split design helps reduce pressure, numbness, and discomfort
• Ability to fine-tune both front and rear sections independently
• Particularly effective for long rides and high training volume
• A game-changer when combined with a proper bike fit
• Replaceable components add long-term value

What to consider

• Takes time and patience to dial in the perfect setup
• Initial setup can feel slightly technical
• Not a "plug and play" option - requires experimentation

Who it’s for

• Triathletes and cyclists struggling with saddle discomfort
• Female athletes looking for a more adaptable fit
• Riders doing high-volume training (long rides, multiple sessions per week)
• Anyone who hasn’t found comfort with traditional saddles!

When to use it

• Daily training rides (short to long distance)
• Long endurance sessions and race prep
• Ideal for both indoor and outdoor riding once properly adjusted

Final thoughts
After trying multiple saddles without success, the BiSaddle Hurricane stands out for one reason: it adapts to you. For female athletes especially, finding the right saddle can be a constant challenge, and this solves that by offering true customisation. It may take some time to get right, but once you do, it’s hard to go back.

تنطلق الأسبوع المقبل منافسات بطولة كأس آسيا تحت 23 عاما لكرة القدم 2026 في نسختها السابعة والتي تستضيفها مدينتا جدة والرياض بالمملكة العربية السعودية خلال الفترة من 6 إلى 24 يناير المقبل.
واكتمل عقد المنتخبات الـ16 بعد تأهل 15 منتخبا عبر التصفيات التي أقيمت في شهر سبتمبرالماضي، لتنضم إلى منتخب السعودية الذي تأهل تلقائيا باعتباره المستضيف.
وتشهد البطولة مشاركة جميع الأبطال السابقين الخمسة العراق واليابان وجمهورية كوريا والسعودية وأوزبكستان، والذين يعدون إلى جانب أستراليا والأردن المنتخبات السبعة الوحيدة التي شاركت في جميع النهائيات، فيما سيسجل منتخبا قرغيزستان ولبنان ظهورهما الأول في النهائيات، ليرتفع العدد الإجمالي للمنتخبات التي شاركت في تاريخ البطولة إلى 27 منتخبا.
ويحتضن استاد مدينة الملك عبدالله الرياضية في جدة المباراة الافتتاحية في السادس من يناير المقبل، حيث يلتقي منتخبا فيتنام والأردن ضمن المجموعة الأولى، كما يبدأ المنتخب السعودي، بطل نسخة 2022، سعيه نحو لقبه الثاني على استاد مدينة الأمير عبدالله الفيصل الرياضية بمواجهة منتخب قرغيزستان.
وتنطلق منافسات المجموعة الثانية في السابع من يناير المقبل بمواجهة تجمع اليابان حامل اللقب مع منتخب سوريا، قبل أن يبدأ المنتخب القطري مشواره في اليوم ذاته بمواجهة الإمارات، حيث يشارك المنتخبان في النهائيات للمرة السادسة.
ويتطلع المنتخب القطري إلى تجاوز إنجازه السابق بحصوله على المركز الثالث في 2018، بينما كان أفضل مشوار للإمارات الوصول إلى الدور ربع النهائي في أعوام 2013 و2016 و2020.
كما تنطلق مباريات المجموعة الثالثة في السابع من يناير، عندما يلتقي منتخبا جمهورية كوريا وإيران، وتليها مواجهة منتخب أوزبكستان مع لبنان.
وتختتم منافسات الجولة الأولى بإقامة مباراتين ضمن المجموعة الرابعة في الثامن من الشهر المقبل، حيث يلتقي في الأولى منتخب أستراليا مع منتخب تايلاند، بينما يلعب في المباراة الثانية منتخب العراق مع الصين.