Jannik Sinner's remarkable run of perfection at ATP Masters events has finally been broken, but the Italian superstar's winning streak remains very much alive. Sinner battled past Czech player Tomas Machac 6-1, 6-7 (3-7), 6-3 to secure his spot in the Monte Carlo quarter-finals, though not before a surprising stumble.

The world number two had been virtually untouchable at the Masters 1000 level, winning the last three titles in Paris, Indian Wells, and Miami without dropping a single set. That incredible streak of 37 consecutive sets won—spanning 186 days—came to a dramatic end when Machac snatched the second-set tiebreak.

This marked the first time Sinner had lost a set at a Masters event since last October in Shanghai. However, showing the champion's mentality that has defined his season, he quickly regrouped on the Monaco clay. Sinner regained his composure to dominate the deciding set, securing his 19th consecutive Masters match victory.

The road gets tougher from here. Sinner, who is still seeking his first clay-court Masters 1000 crown, will now face Canadian powerhouse Felix Auger-Aliassime in the last eight. A monumental prize is also within reach: if Sinner lifts the trophy in Monte Carlo, he will dethrone Carlos Alcaraz to become the new world number one when rankings update on Monday.

In other news, the women's tour has suffered a major withdrawal. World number one Aryna Sabalenka has pulled out of next week's Stuttgart Open due to injury. The Belarusian, who recently achieved the rare "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.