Tsitsipas Tops De Minaur For ATP Milan NextGen Title

Stefanos Tsitsipas will end 2018 on a high note after taking the 2018 NextGen title in Milan today. The 20-year-old ousted Australian Alex De Minaur 2-4, 4-1, 4-3(3), 4-3(3) in the short-set scoring format.

“It feels great. I’ve been playing some great tennis this week here in Milan,” Tsitsipas said. “It was a fantastic match. I stayed calm although I had a chance twice to win the match, but remained calm. I was aiming to win that match. I was mentally very strong and that was proven in the tie-break in the last set.”

While the event doesn’t count for ATP ranking points and stats, Tsitsipas does collect a nice payday of $407,000 for finishing undefeated. The Greek who began the year ranked No. 91, ends at No. 15. He was also named ATP’s Most Improved Player.

“I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to play here in Milan and be the second winner of the tournament,” Tsitsipas said. “It’s a very special moment. I think I can get some confidence out of it and play better in the future.”

During the week, the Greek beat fellow under-21s Jaume Munar, Frances Tiafoe, Hubert Hurkacz. In the semifinals Friday, he beat Andrey Rublev.

Last year, in the inaugural event Hyeon Chung beat Andrey Rublev.