Stefanos Tsitsipas claimed his third Monte-Carlo Masters title, defeating Casper Ruud 6-1, 6-4. This victory marks his third win at this prestigious tournament within the last four years, bolstering his standing to seventh in the world rankings.
From the outset, 25- year old Tsitsipas from Greece, took command of the match, wrapping up the first set in just 36 minutes. Despite a more resilient performance from Ruud in the second set, Tsitsipas held his ground, breaking the stalemate at 4-4 to secure the win.
Reflecting on his victory, Tsitsipas shared,
“It’s been a very difficult time for me, so to be back on the podium and winning, it’s amazing.”
Stefanos Tsitsipas Collapses In Happiness After Clinching Victory
Overwhelmed with emotion, Tsitsipas also acknowledged the support that fuelled his journey, stating,
“I am extremely grateful to my friends, family and everyone behind this journey. To win three [titles] is just unbelievable – it was a nerve-wracking game but I am extremely happy.”
Tsitsipas’s road to the final was not without its challenges. He faced off against top-10 ranked players, including Alexander Zverev and Jannik Sinner, showcasing his formidable skill set and mental fortitude. His triumph places him alongside tennis greats such as Rafael Nadal, Bjorn Borg, Thomas Muster, and Ilie Nastase, all of whom have won three or more Monte Carlo Masters titles.
Employing a “fearless” approach throughout the tournament, Tsitsipas capitalised on his powerful forehand and effectively countered Ruud’s strategy of playing from deep within the court. This win not only marks his first title since last August but also signifies a strong comeback after a challenging start to the year for the former French Open and Australian Open runner-up.
During the match, Tsitsipas demonstrated remarkable resilience, saving all eight break points he faced and successfully converting four of his own opportunities. Ruud, 25, found his rhythm in the second set, pushing Tsitsipas to the limit in a marathon seventh game that lasted 13 minutes. Despite Ruud’s efforts, Tsitsipas managed to maintain his lead and ultimately clinched the victory.
A Packed Monte-Carlo Country Club For The 2024 Monte-Carlo Masters Final (Tsitsipas in Red)
Looking ahead, both Tsitsipas and Ruud are scheduled to compete in the upcoming Barcelona Open. The tournament will also see the return of Rafael Nadal, although defending champion Carlos Alcaraz will not participate due to a forearm injury.
Tsitsipas’s victory at the Monte Carlo Masters not only reaffirms his status as one of the elite players in men’s tennis but also sets the stage for an exciting clay season ahead. Fans and enthusiasts will undoubtedly be watching closely as he continues to build on this significant achievement.
