Jannik Sinner moves level with Carlos Alcaraz after setting astonishing record at Madrid Open

Jannik Sinner has drawn level with Carlos Alcaraz in the tennis history books after winning the Madrid Open - while setting an incredible new record of his own.

The ATP world number one defeated Alexander Zverev 6-1, 6-2 in the final in Madrid on Sunday, having gone 5-0 up in set one in just 17 minutes.

It is his fourth ATP event win of 2026, having previously tasted success in the Indian Wells Open, Miami Open and Monte-Carlo Masters.

His latest triumph serves as ideal preparation for the French Open, the season's second major, which gets underway on May 18.

Alcaraz has pulled out of the tournament through a wrist injury, giving Sinner an even bigger opportunity to win the only one of the four majors that has thus far eluded him during his relatively short career.

With his win in Madrid, he has now won 15 of what are classed as 'Big Titles' - either a Grand Slam title, ATP Finals or ATP Masters 1000 titles, or an Olympic gold medal.

That draws him level with Alcaraz, who lifted his last title in January when he won the Australian Open.

Sinner has ample opportunity to pull ahead of his biggest tennis rival, with the Spaniard already confirmed to be out of action for the entire clay court season due to his injury.

Read more: Carlos Alcaraz withdraws from French Open as devastating statement issued

The 24-year-old Italian can also now say he is the first player in the history of the ATP Masters 1000 series to win five consecutive titles.

He has tasted success in all four tournaments held this season, and won the Paris Masters in November 2025.

He was also victorious in the ATP Finals, which took place in December, having defeated Alcaraz in the final match.

His rivals will be hoping that he has an off-day at Roland-Garros, given how unstoppable he has been throughout much of 2026.

That is certainly the case for Zverev, who said after his Madrid Open final defeat: "Really, no chance for most of the people, for us, at the moment against you.

"Also, to your team, you guys are doing an incredible job every single week. Maybe at the French Open, have a break!"