The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Greek’s triumph portent of brand new era
Stefanos Tsitsipas came of age at London’s O2 Arena with a stunning victory over Dominic Thiem to win the ATP Finals.
The 21-year-old from Athens became the youngest winner of the prestigious seasonending tournament since Lleyton Hewitt in 2001.
He is also the youngest debutant to lift the trophy since John McEnroe back in 1978.
Just a year after winning the NextGen Finals, for players of 21 and under, Tsitsipas mixed it with the very best on the bank of the Thames and came out on top.
Congratulated by his country’s prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis after his semi-final win over Roger Federer, Tsitsipas
“Phenomenal to have such a great army behind me”
went on to write his name in Greek sporting mythology with a 6-7 (6), 6-2, 7-6 (4) victory.
It was only the third time in 16 years that the final did not feature at least one of the big three – Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic or Federer – and further evidence surely that the longawaited power shift in men’s tennis is finally on the way.
Tsitsipas said: “I was playing with nerves, it’s such a big event. I was a break up in the third set, but couldn’t hold it, but I’m so relieved with this outstanding performance I gave on the court.
“It’s phenomenal, unbelievable to have such an army behind me, they give me energy, and belief, and I just love that.
“I would like to thank everyone who supported me with a Greek flags and made me feel at home.”