MONTE CARLO: Stefanos Tsitsipas made short work of Norwegian eighth seed Casper Ruud as he seized a third Monte Carlo Masters title in four years with a 6-1, 6-4 victory on Sunday.

Tsitsipas dominated proceedings against fellow 25-year-old Ruud from the onset, cruising through six consecutive games to wrap up the opening set in 36 minutes.

The second set was a much closer affair but Tsitsipas proved too strong for Ruud, as the Greek became the first player in the professional era to win his first three Monte Carlo finals in straight sets.

Tsitsipas, who handed Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner just his second defeat of the year in the semi-finals on Saturday, secured his first title of 2024, taking his career haul to 11.

“It’s been very difficult. To be back on the podiums and winning tournaments feels amazing,” Tsitsipas said. “I can’t thank enough my family and friends... for making this possible.

“The trinity is even more special than the first or second time. This is purely unbelievable for me. Capturing that win today was nerve-wracking. I really wanted the trinity so I got it. I’m extremely happy today.”

Tsitsipas produced 30 winners to the 20 of Ruud who had reached the final with victory over world number one Novak Djokovic on Saturday.

He is the fifth man to win three or more Monte Carlo titles, joining Rafael Nadal (11) and Bjorn Borg, Thomas Muster and Ilie Nastase who won three apiece.

The Greek struck first with a break in the third game of the opening set, then saved three break points to lead 3-1.

Tsitsipas earned a double break for 4-1 and claimed the set as Ruud double-faulted after 36 minutes.

In the second set, Tsitsipas got out of trouble in a 13-minute game, saving three break points at 3-3 after leading 40-0.

He claimed the title three games later on a first match point, a forehand winner down the line.

Tsitsipas’s father and long-time coach Apostolos insisted he never doubted his son’s abilities.

“Stefanos, he’s a dreamer. I could say that also he’s still young in his soul, in his mind,” Apostolos told atptour.com.

“As every young person they need to believe in life, they need to believe in the targets they put. That’s why we are there, to remind them that they deserve to be whatever they are.”

Having come into the claycourt Masters 1000 event with an 11-6 win-loss record for 2024, Tsitsipas returned to the world’s top 10 on Monday after dropping out for the first time since 2019 earlier in the year.

But it was yet another heartbreak for former French and US Open finalist Ruud, who lost the Mexican and Los Cabos Open final earlier this year.

“I’d like to congratulate Stef for winning Monte Carlo once again,” Ruud said. “You (Tsitsipas) love this tournament. Very, very well played all week.

“I know you fell out of top 10 a few weeks ago but you’re back again where I think you belong. You’re a fantastic player and especially on clay and Monte Carlo... Congratulations to you and your team.”

Published in Dawn, April 16th, 2024