Tsitsipas dominates Ruud to bag third Monte Carlo title
The Greek became the first player in the professional era to win his first three finals in the event in straight sets
14 April 2024 - 20:05
byPearl Josephine Nazare
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Stefanos Tsitsipas with the trophy after beating Casper Ruud in the Monte Carlo Masters on Sunday. Picture: GETTY IMAGES/JULIAN FINNEY
Bengaluru — Stefanos Tsitsipas made short work of Norwegian eighth seed Casper Ruud as he seized a third Monte Carlo Masters title in four years with a 6-1 6-4 victory on Sunday.
Tsitsipas dominated proceedings against fellow 25-year-old Ruud from the onset, cruising through six consecutive games to wrap up the opening set in 36 minutes.
The second set was a much closer affair but Tsitsipas proved too strong for Ruud, as the Greek became the first player in the professional era to win his first three Monte Carlo finals in straight sets.
Tsitsipas, who handed Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner just his second defeat of the year in the semifinals on Saturday, secured his first title of 2024, taking his career haul to 11.
Tsitsipas joins Rafa Nadal, Bjorn Borg, Thomas Muster and Ilie Nastase to win at least three Monte Carlo titles.
“It’s been very difficult. To be back on the podiums and winning tournaments feels amazing,” Tsitsipas said. “I can’t thank enough my family and friends … for making this possible.
“The [third one] is even more special than the first or second time. This is unbelievable. Capturing that win today was nerve-racking. I wanted the trinity so I got it. I’m extremely happy today.”
Having come into the clay court Masters 1000 event with an 11-6 win-loss record for 2024, Tsitsipas will return to the world’s top 10 on Monday after dropping out for the first time since 2019 earlier in 2024.
But it was yet another heartbreak for former French and US Open finalist Ruud, who had stunned world No 1 Novak Djokovic in the semis, having lost the Mexican and Los Cabos Open final earlier in 2024.
“I’d like to congratulate Stef for winning Monte Carlo once again,” Ruud said. “You [Tsitsipas] love this tournament. Very well played all week.
“I know you fell out of [the] top 10 a few weeks ago but you’re back again where I think you belong. You’re a fantastic player and especially on clay and Monte Carlo … Congratulations to you and your team.”
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Tsitsipas dominates Ruud to bag third Monte Carlo title
The Greek became the first player in the professional era to win his first three finals in the event in straight sets
Bengaluru — Stefanos Tsitsipas made short work of Norwegian eighth seed Casper Ruud as he seized a third Monte Carlo Masters title in four years with a 6-1 6-4 victory on Sunday.
Tsitsipas dominated proceedings against fellow 25-year-old Ruud from the onset, cruising through six consecutive games to wrap up the opening set in 36 minutes.
The second set was a much closer affair but Tsitsipas proved too strong for Ruud, as the Greek became the first player in the professional era to win his first three Monte Carlo finals in straight sets.
Tsitsipas, who handed Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner just his second defeat of the year in the semifinals on Saturday, secured his first title of 2024, taking his career haul to 11.
Tsitsipas joins Rafa Nadal, Bjorn Borg, Thomas Muster and Ilie Nastase to win at least three Monte Carlo titles.
“It’s been very difficult. To be back on the podiums and winning tournaments feels amazing,” Tsitsipas said. “I can’t thank enough my family and friends … for making this possible.
“The [third one] is even more special than the first or second time. This is unbelievable. Capturing that win today was nerve-racking. I wanted the trinity so I got it. I’m extremely happy today.”
Having come into the clay court Masters 1000 event with an 11-6 win-loss record for 2024, Tsitsipas will return to the world’s top 10 on Monday after dropping out for the first time since 2019 earlier in 2024.
But it was yet another heartbreak for former French and US Open finalist Ruud, who had stunned world No 1 Novak Djokovic in the semis, having lost the Mexican and Los Cabos Open final earlier in 2024.
“I’d like to congratulate Stef for winning Monte Carlo once again,” Ruud said. “You [Tsitsipas] love this tournament. Very well played all week.
“I know you fell out of [the] top 10 a few weeks ago but you’re back again where I think you belong. You’re a fantastic player and especially on clay and Monte Carlo … Congratulations to you and your team.”
Reuters
Women’s tennis finals to be held in Saudi Arabia
World No 2 Sinner savours the moment after Miami win
Indian Wells win has Alcaraz smiling again after ‘difficult months’
Djokovic rues ‘bad day’ after shock exit from Indian Wells
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most Read
Related Articles
Defending champion Rublev out of Monte Carlo, Sinner strolls on
Quest for perfection may bar Grand Slam hunter Rune from greatness
Top seeds Djokovic and Sabalenka roll into Melbourne quarterfinals
Published by Arena Holdings and distributed with the Financial Mail on the last Thursday of every month except December and January.