Jannik Sinner's historic set-winning streak is over, but his winning ways are not. The Italian star saw his remarkable run of 37 consecutive sets won at ATP Masters 1000 events snapped on Thursday, yet he battled through to secure a quarter-final berth at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters.

Sinner, who entered the tournament having won the last three Masters titles in Paris, Indian Wells, and Miami without dropping a set, finally conceded one to Czech opponent Tomas Machac. After a dominant 6-1 first set, Sinner lost control in a second-set tie-break, marking his first lost set at this level since October. However, showing the resilience that has defined his rise, the world number two regrouped to seal a 6-1, 6-7 (3-7), 6-3 victory—his 19th consecutive win at Masters tournaments.

The path to the title on the iconic Monte Carlo clay now runs through Canadian powerhouse Felix Auger-Aliassime in the last eight. A deep run here is crucial for Sinner, who has never won a clay-court Masters 1000 crown. The stakes are even higher: if he lifts the trophy, he will dethrone Carlos Alcaraz to become the new world number one when rankings update on Monday.

In related news, the WTA tour has suffered a significant blow as world number one Aryna Sabalenka has withdrawn from next week's Stuttgart Open due to injury. The Belarusian, who recently completed the prestigious "Sunshine Double" by winning both Indian Wells and Miami, cited an issue sustained after her triumph in Florida. She will be replaced in the draw by Poland's Magdalena Frech.