The 22-year-old Greek player did not drop a set en route to winning the Monte Carlo Masters
Follow Us
Stefanos Tsitsipas is undoubtedly the man in-form in the tennis circuit currently. His run in Monte Carlo Masters last week was a prime example. The 22-year-old Greek player did not drop a single set on his way to his first ATP Masters 1000 title. The World No.5 has the momentum on his side going into the Barcelona Open. Tsitsipas opens against Jaume Munar in Barcelona on Wednesday.
Tsitsipas eased to a 6-3, 6-3 victory against Andrey Rublev, who had shocked Rafael Nadal en route to his final. “It feels like a very big moment,” he said about the Monte Carlo Masters. “It’s in the back of my head that I really enjoy the feeling this title gave me, and I’ve wanted this for a long time.”
In 2018, Tsitsipas made to his first ATP Tour-level final appearance in Barcelona. “My first final here was the beginning of my journey on the ATP Tour and I had a great run,” Tsitsipas said. “I would say back then I was 18, 19 years old. I just got introduced to the ATP Tour and having a run like this was at the top of my appearances.”
Back then, it was Nadal who ended Tsitsipas’ run in the final. “It didn’t go my way, but I think I learned a lot from that match, and he seems to be liking the conditions here in Barcelona, so it’s quite amazing,” Tsitsipas added. “The 11 titles that he has had here in Barcelona [are] very inspiring. I really hope I can get half of that one day.”
The Greek player went on to explain as to what made him fall in love with tennis. “That’s the reason I chose this sport: I always wanted to be close to winning these titles,” Tsitsipas said.
“It’s also the reason why I love tennis from a young age. I saw all these amazing players like Nadal, [Roger] Federer and [Novak] Djokovic play in these Masters series events and the Grand Slams and I wanted to be like them. To be in that position is more than humbling.”
