Stefanos Tsitsipas capped another standout week at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters on Sunday when he dispatched Casper Ruud 6-1, 6-4 to win his third title in four years in the Principality.
He needed just 36 minutes to seal a rampant first set, before Ruud made the second more competitive.
Norwegian Ruud fought valiantly in a tense second set, which was level at 4-4 before Tsitsipas pulled away in the final two games.
Tsitsipas committed to a fearless style of play, dominating on the forehand and challenging Ruud’s tactics of playing deep from the court.
The Greek star dropped just one set through the tournament, which culminated in a 6-1 6-4 win over Casper Ruud in Sunday’s final. It marked the first time in six years that Tsitsipas defeated three top-10 players at a single event.
Ruud – who has now lost six of six finals across the ATP Masters 1000, ATP Finals and Grand Slams – was simply unable to cope with his opponent in a match that lasted 97 minutes.
Reflecting on the victory, Tsitsipas said: “It has been very difficult, so to be back on the podiums, winning tournaments just feels amazing. I am extremely grateful for every person behind this journey.
“The trinity is even more special than the first or second time. This is an unbelievable win for me. Capturing that win today was nerve-wracking. I really wanted this trinity. I am extremely happy today.
He’s now won Monte Carlo three times, making him just the fourth active player to win the same Masters 1000 event three or more times in their career, and the other three names on the list are absolute legends – Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.
Tsitsipas will improve to No. 7 when the ATP rankings are released Monday.
While the men’s clay-court season continues in Barcelona and Munich, the top women join the party in Stuttgart.
Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell (ATP)
This year, the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell celebrates its 71st edition. The qualifying rounds began on April 13 and 14, and the main draws are set to commence on April 15 at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona.
It’s disappointing news that the two-time defending champion, Carlos Alcaraz, has withdrawn from the tournament due to the same injury that forced him to miss the Monte Carlo Open. However, there is also some positive news to share – Rafael Nadal is returning to the clay court after his last appearance at the French Open in 2022.
That leaves Andrey Rublev as the highest seed, followed by Casper Ruud, de Minaur, and Monte Carlo champion Stefanos Tsitsipas. The latter may benefit most from Alcaraz’s absence; they were scheduled to face off in the fourth round.
Porsche Tennis Grand Prix (WTA)
The 2024 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix Stuttgart is a staple of the WTA Clay Court Calendar and with the WTA not having a Monte-Carlo Masters, it is for some their first time on court this clay court season.
This year the WTA’s Top 4 – Swiatek, Sabalenka, Coco Gauff and Elena Rybakina – will all kick off their clay campaigns on the indoor dirt in Stuttgart. Each of them has had great moments and disappointing ones in 2024.
None have been dominant, but none have been in full-blown slumps, either. So far in 2023, Swiatek has won titles where she has won them before. If that pattern holds, she should win in Stuttgart as well.