Alcaraz addressed his earlier remarks during a press conference, saying he was surprised to see Sinner make the quick turnaround from Miami to Monaco. The world number one explained: "It's tricky when you don't have that much time to prepare yourself for another surface."
Sinner's absence last year left the door open for Alcaraz, who won the French Open. With fewer points to defend this clay season, Sinner could potentially reclaim the world number one ranking if he performs well in Monte Carlo, with a victory securing the top spot regardless of other results.