Muristek
MONTE CARLO, April 17
Stefanos Tsitsipas captured back-to-back crowns at the Monte Carlo Masters with a workmanlike 6-3 7-6(3) win over first-time ATP Tour finalist Alejandro Davidovich Fokina today, claiming his first title of the 2022 season.
The Greek world No. 5 Tsitsipas' second Masters 1000 title comes at the perfect time for the 23-year-old, who is hoping to improve on his runners-up finish at last year's French Open and claim a maiden Grand Slam title this year.
Surprise package Davidovich Fokina, who knocked out top-ranked Novak Djokovic and Indian Wells champion Taylor Fritz in the earlier rounds at Monaco, drew first blood by breaking Tsitsipas to take a 2-1 lead in the opening set. But the world No. 46 Spaniard surrendered his serve in the next game, allowing Tsitsipas to take control of the contest again and go a set up in only 31 minutes with a near-flawless display.
"Remarkable. I'm very proud of myself. Things didn't seem to be going well at some points but I managed to stay well-composed and kept believing that I can finish this off," Tsitsipas said in a courtside interview. — Reuters