‘Ruthless’ Tsitsipas hails Monte Carlo ‘Holy Trinity’

AFP | Beijing, China                                                

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Stefanos Tsitsipas hailed his third Monte Carlo Masters triumph as the “Holy Trinity”, claiming his golden week in the principality has restored faith in his game.

“Getting the Holy Trinity, as I call it, is something that I will fully cherish and take the most out of this moment,” he said.

“I did need a week like this a lot, especially the rough months that I have been through in the last half of 2023 until now.

“It hasn’t been the best of times in terms of where I wanted to be, so getting back here and winning the title is something that I was definitely not aiming for -- it came naturally.”

Tsitispas arrived in Monte Carlo ranked at 12 in the world, his worst standing since January 2019.

He had a modest 11-6 record on the year and had won just one title since the 2022 grasscourt season.

“Winning this tournament three times is something I would have never imagined,” said Tsitsipas.

“Even when I got it the first time, I obviously thought it was a great feeling and that place is special towards me,” added the 25-year-old who had stunned Australian Open winner and world number two Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals.

“I showed some unbelievable, ruthless tennis.”

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.