As of April 2026, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have yet to compete against each other this season, despite both players having successfully claimed major titles. Alcaraz completed the career Grand Slam at the Australian Open, while Sinner became the first man in almost a decade to win the Sunshine Double. With the clay season starting, the ATP Power Rankings assess their potential for success on this surface.
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1. Carlos Alcaraz (-)
Actual Ranking: 1
2026 Record: 17-2
Notable Recent Result: Indian Wells Semifinal
Best Big Clay Result: Two-time Roland Garros Champion
Alcaraz remains a strong contender as he returns to clay after a mixed showing in the Sunshine Double. Despite a surprising loss to Daniil Medvedev in Indian Wells and another upset in Miami, he has reached the finals in his last five clay events, including back-to-back Roland Garros titles.
2. Jannik Sinner (-)
Actual Ranking: 2
2026 Record: 19-2
Notable Recent Result: Indian Wells and Miami Champion
Sinner is on an impressive run, having not lost a set in a Masters 1000 event since October. However, his effectiveness on clay is still unproven as he has not won any major titles on this surface yet. He reached the finals at both clay events he entered in 2025 and was a point away from winning Roland Garros last year.
3. Alexander Zverev (+3)
Actual Ranking: 3
2026 Record: 15-5
Notable Recent Result: Indian Wells and Miami Semifinal
Zverev has consistently reached the semifinals in major tournaments but has not yet advanced to a final this year. He is a proven player on clay, having made the quarter-finals at Roland Garros multiple times.
4. Novak Djokovic (-1)
Actual Ranking: 4
2026 Record: 7-2
Notable Recent Result: Indian Wells Fourth Round
Djokovic's clay success is well established, although he has been selective with his schedule, withdrawing from Monte-Carlo but planning to participate in Madrid.
5. Daniil Medvedev (+4)
Actual Ranking: 10
2026 Record: 19-5
Notable Recent Result: Indian Wells Runner-Up
Medvedev has made strides on clay despite a history of struggles. After winning the Italian Open in 2023, he has consistently reached the quarter-finals of major clay events.
6. Casper Ruud (New)
Actual Ranking: 12
2026 Record: 7-7
Notable Recent Result: Indian Wells Fourth Round
Ruud has a solid record on clay, having reached the finals of Roland Garros twice and won in Madrid. His comfort on this surface is well-known, making him a player to watch in the upcoming tournaments.
7. Lorenzo Musetti (+3)
Actual Ranking: 5
2026 Record: 7-3
Notable Recent Result: Indian Wells Second Round
Musetti aims for a strong clay season after a challenging start to 2026. Last year, he made significant strides in every major clay event, including reaching the final in Monte-Carlo.
8. Felix Auger-Aliassime (-4)
Actual Ranking: 7
2026 Record: 15-6
Notable Recent Result: Indian Wells Fourth Round
After a promising start to 2026, Auger-Aliassime has struggled recently. He has shown potential on clay in past years, making deep runs in both Madrid and Roland Garros.
9. Alex de Minaur (-2)
Actual Ranking: 6
2026 Record: 12-5
Notable Recent Result: Indian Wells Third Round
De Minaur has encountered difficulties recently, but he is capable of surprising opponents on clay due to his speed and fitness.
10. Ben Shelton (-5)
Actual Ranking: 9
2026 Record: 11-4
Notable Recent Result: Indian Wells Third Round
Shelton has shown promise on clay, having won titles and advanced to the fourth round of Roland Garros last year. He aims for better results in upcoming events as he recovers from injury.
The ATP clay season presents thrilling matchups, and expectations are high for players as they prepare for tournaments leading up to Roland Garros.