World number two Sinner willing to trade title for Italy's World Cup qualification

"Look, it is what it is. It's tough. If you ask me, I'd like to make this exchange because it's a simple thing. Many young people and kids haven't seen the World Cup yet, especially with Italy not being there," Sinner told Eurosport on April 6 during the Monte Carlo Masters. "For me, it’s the same - I was too young back then to really follow it closely."

After losing to Bosnia & Herzegovina in the World Cup play-off final on April 1, Italy will miss out on the biggest football tournament on the planet for the third consecutive time. The Azzurri have previously won the prestigious title four times.

Sinner celebrates his title victory after the Miami Open final on Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida on March 29, 2026. Photo by Reuters

Sinner was only 13 years old when Italy last played in a World Cup in 2014.

The tennis star currently holds 26 ATP titles, including two recent championships at Indian Wells and Miami last month.

"It's crazy because I did the whole interview and now the French come and they ask me this," Sinner added. "No, joking. I would love to make this exchange. Many young people and kids haven't seen the WC with Italy."

Sinner was scheduled to play his second-round match on April 7 against Ugo Humbert on the center court. Right after that, his rival and world number one, Carlos Alcaraz, was set to face Sebastian Baez. Both matches presented tough early challenges for the two, who currently hold the top two positions in the world ranking.

Sinner has a great chance to reclaim the world number one spot during this tournament. He is guaranteed to earn points in Monte Carlo after missing last year's event due to a suspension following a doping test.

If Sinner secures the championship, he will officially return to the top spot of the ATP ranking, even when Alcaraz reaches the final.