Stefanos Tsitsipas has won his first title of the season after completing a successful defense of the Monte Carlo Masters men’s singles title, marking his eighth professional career title. The Greek defeated Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-3 7-6 (7-3) in a game of just a little over 90 minutes.

Fokina, who knocked out world number one, Novak Djokovic and Indian Wells winner Taylor Fritz, gave Tsitsipas a tough time. He took a 2-1 lead in the first round and capitalised on his opponent’s errors in g e second set. But he was no match for the the 2021 French Open finalist, who fought back to claim victory and complete a back-to-back title win.

Speaking after the match, Tsitsipas said, “Things weren’t going well at one point, but I managed to stay composed to finish the match off. I am really proud with the belief I put in my game. Sometimes you doubt yourself, but it is always important to keep your head high.”

Tsitsipas had a tough journey to the final, knocking out Diego Schwartzman and Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals and semifinals respectively. He entered the Monte Carlo Masters just months after crashing out of the semifinal of the Australian Open. The 23-year-old is still in search of a Grand Slam win since turning pro in 2016. But he has proven himself as one of the best players on the court today and was even ranked world number three at some point and is currently ranked number five. He is expected to play at the Barcelona Open next.

Joe Salisbury and Rajeev Ram won the Monte Carlo men’s doubles title after defeating Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah in a game of three sets. Both men are now ranked number one in the doubles ranking, for the first time, after their victory on Sunday.

Written by: Leon Osamor