Stefanos Tsitsipas brushed aside Casper Ruud to claim his third Monte-Carlo Masters title in four years. (More Tennis News)
The Greek star took just an hour and 37 minutes to see off his Norwegian o꧋pponent 6-1 6-4 on Court Rainier III.
Ruud dispatched world number one Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals but he could not repeat the feat as Tsitsipas once again produced his best tennis in the principality.
The title winner, who has had to overcome a back problem, told the ATP Tour’s offic🎶ial website: “It has beenജ very difficult, so to be back on the podiums, winning tournaments just feels amazing.
“I can’t thank my family enough and friends – and if there is God out there – for making this moment possible. I am extremely grateful for e🎶very person behind this journey.
“The third time is even more special than t🔯he first or second time. This is an unbelievable win for me. Capturing that win today was nerve-wracking. I really wanted this trinity. I am extremely happy today.”
The 25-year-old 12th seed came out firing a𝔍gainst the world number 10ღ, breaking the struggling Ruud in the third game and clinching the first set at the second time of asking.
He had to save a break poi﷽nt in the first game of the second set and then three in the seventh as the improving Norwegian pushed for a way back into the match.
However, Tsitsipas then broke to🎀 edge himself towards the finishing line and complete a good afternoon’s work.
He said: “I am glad I presented on court and showed some ruthless tennis. From the beginning to the end my play was cohesive and I was able to blend in a l🐠ot of different shots.”
Meanwhile, Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz hꦯas withdrawn from the Barcelona Open due to🌱 injury.
The world number three pulled out of the Monte-Carlo Masters with a right forearm problem and has not 🌟recovered in time to defend his title in his home country.
A statement from the tournament read: “Carlos Alcaraz will not be able to defend the title he won the laꦜst two♈ seasons.
“The player from Murcia has suffered from the injury sustained in Monte Carloဣ, and did not have a good feeling in his training on Sunday and, despite having tried until the last moment, he will not be in the Barcelona Open.
“W☂ishing you a speedy recovery, we hope to see you next year.”
Fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal is scheduled to ✱make his comeback from♈ injury at the tournament.
The 37-year-old has not played on the main tour sin🐽ce Janu🉐ary due to a hip injury.
