The Sun (Malaysia)

Ruthless Tsitsipas hails Monte Carlo ‘Holy Trinity’

- – AFP

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 25year-old who had stunned

Australian Open winner and world No. 2 Jannik Sinner in the semifinals.

“I showed some unbelievab­le, ruthless tennis.”

Ruud, twice a French Open runner-up, apologised to the capacity crowd for not being able to mount a consistent challenge to his Greek opponent.

“Congratula­tions to Stefanos for winning again, he’s been playing so well all week,” said 10th-ranked Ruud.

“You are now back where you belong (among the top players).”

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