Tsitsipas defeats Ruud to win third Monte Carlo Masters title

Stefanos Tsitsipas capped another standout week at the Monte Carlo Masters on Sunday when he dispatched Casper Ruud -1, 6-4 to win his third title in four years in the Principality.

The Greek has produced his best tennis in Monte-Carlo in the past and once again rose to the occasion against Ruud in front of a capacity crowd on Court Rainier III. The Greek played freely, taking large cuts on his heavy forehand to force Ruud deep, while he moved forward efficiently to expose the Norwegian’s deep-court position.

“It has been very difficult, so to be back on the podiums, winning tournaments just feels amazing,” Tsitsipas said. “I can’t thank my family enough and friends, and if there is God out there, for making this moment possible. I am extremely grateful for every person behind this journey. The third time 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.”

With his one-hour, 37-minute win, Tsitsipas became the fifth player to win three or more Monte-Carlo titles, joining Rafael Nadal (11), Bjorn Borg (3), Thomas Muster(3) and  Ilie Nastase (3).

Tsitsipas is now level at 2-2 in the pair’s Lexus ATP Head2Head series, with his title triumph in Monte-Carlo his first against Ruud since Los Cabos last year. The Greek, who has won 11 tour-level trophies, including three Masters 1000 titles, will return to the Top 10 for the first time since February on Monday when he climbs to No. 7.