Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz both overcame second-set challenges to advance to the quarter-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters on Thursday, maintaining their pursuit of the top ATP ranking.

Sinner, coming off victories at Indian Wells and Miami, defeated the unpredictable Tomas Machac 6-1, 6-7 (3-7), 6-3 in a match lasting just over two hours. After a dominant first set, the Italian's momentum faltered in the second, allowing Machac to recover and take the set in a tiebreak. Sinner acknowledged struggling to find energy during the middle portion of the match but managed to regain composure. Machac squandered two set points at 5-4 in the second set before prevailing in the tiebreak. In the third, Machac’s erratic shot-making handed Sinner an early break, which the sixth seed consolidated to close out the victory. Sinner’s win extends his Masters 1000 match-winning streak to 19.

Sinner’s quarter-final opponent, sixth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, advanced after Casper Ruud retired while trailing 7-5, 2-2. Sinner noted the importance of recovery ahead of their meeting.

Alcaraz, the defending champion and world number one, followed a similar pattern in his match against Tomas Etcheverry, winning 6-1, 4-6, 6-3. The top seed was dominant in the first set but was unsettled in the second, committing 23 unforced errors and losing the set. Alcaraz attributed the dip partly to missed opportunities to break serve and the increased confidence of his opponent. In the deciding set, Alcaraz secured a crucial break in the second game but faced challenges with his serve. He eventually closed out the match in his next service game after saving a break point and converting three match points. Alcaraz credited Etcheverry’s fighting spirit on clay for the tough contest.

Alcaraz will next face Alexander Bublik, a player known for his drop shots, much like the Spanish star. Bublik reached the quarters with a 6-2, 7-5 win over Jiri Lehecka. The two have practiced together, and Alcaraz anticipates an intriguing tactical battle.

Also advancing to the quarter-finals was 19-year-old Joao Fonseca, who made his Masters 1000 breakthrough with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Matteo Berrettini. Fonseca is the youngest man to reach this stage at Monte Carlo since Rafael Nadal and Richard Gasquet in 2005. The Brazilian expressed confidence and eagerness for more success.

Fonseca’s next opponent will be world number three Alexander Zverev, who defeated Belgium’s Zizou Bergs 6-2, 7-5. Zverev acknowledged Fonseca as a rising talent and looked forward to their first meeting, anticipating future encounters on the tour.