The Korea Times

‘Ruthless’ Tsitsipas hails Monte Carlo ‘Holy Trinity’

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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.

The Greek cruised to a 6-1, 6-4 defeat of Casper Ruud on Sunday to add to title triumphs on the Riviera in 2021 and 2022.

“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 grass-court 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 semifinals. “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.

 ?? EPA-Yonhap ?? Stefanos Tsitsipas kisses his trophy after winning the final match against Casper Ruud at the ATP Monte Carlo Masters tournament in Roquebrune Cap Martin, France, Sunday.
EPA-Yonhap Stefanos Tsitsipas kisses his trophy after winning the final match against Casper Ruud at the ATP Monte Carlo Masters tournament in Roquebrune Cap Martin, France, Sunday.
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