Tsitsipas Secures Second Straight Monte Carlo Masters, Defeats Davidovich Fokina
Stefanos Tsitsipas defended his Monte Carlos Masters title topping Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-3, 7-6(3), his second title at this level.
It’s his 8th career title and first in almost a year since Lyon last May.
“I am very proud of myself,” Tsitsipas said on court. “Things weren’t going well at one point, but I managed to stay composed to finish the match off. I am really proud with the belief I put in my game. Sometimes you doubt yourself, but it is always important to keep your head high.
“He fought in moments I didn’t expect him to fight,” Tsitsipas added “He can hit incredible winners out of nowhere and play unpredictably. But I was able to minimize that. I knew he would be a dangerous opponent but that is a great win for me. I think we will see great results from him in the future.”
Davidovich Fokina, who upset Novak Djokovic at the start of the event, was appearing in his first ATP level final, and he came from a break down in the second preventing Tsitsipas to serve it out.
“Was amazing experience,” Davidovich Fokina told the crowd. “I enjoyed every day, winning big. Beating Djoko and players that are at the height of their careers. It was a tough week. A lot of emotions.
“This week with my team was amazing. Was a dream come true to play here in Monte Carlo, full crowds. To hear the people support was amazing. I was at the bench thinking, ‘Wow, what a moment’.”
The runner-up effort will move the 22-year-old to a new career high of No. 26, likely getting him a seeding at the French Open next year.
After a subpar season to date, Tsitsipas had righted the ship to start the clay season.
“I have a surface that I might be adjusting easier to than other surfaces and we know which one that is,” Tsitsipas said. “My goal ever since I have realized that… is if I’m able to score points [on] this surface as much as I can and really concentrate on the other surfaces a bit more, I can really pull off a great year, maybe even finishing among the two best tennis players at the end of the season.”
The Greek will have no time for rest as he will take part in Barcelona this week.
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