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Stefanos Tsitsipas has secured the Monte-Carlo Masters title in a row after beating Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in Monaco on Sunday.
The Greek world’s number 5 triumphed 6-3 7-6 (3) to claim his second ATP Masters 1000 crown, despite a brave performance from the Spaniard, who was down 41 places.
In addition, Tsitsipas joins an esteemed group of five players who have defended the Monte-Carlo title: Rafael Nadal, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Thomas Muster, Björn Borg and Ilie Năstase.
Placed third en route to the tournament, 23-year-old defeated rival and second-seeded Alexander Zverev on Saturday to reach the final.
With his eighth singles title, Tsitsipas hopes to use the win on his favorite pitch as a springboard to top the German’s number three world ranking.
After playing with empty seats due to the pandemic last year, Tsitsipas enjoyed the chance to win in front of fans at the first event he ever attended as a six-year-old.
“This was an incredible event,” Tsitsipas said on track when he was presented with the trophy.
“I had the chance to win it last year without an audience and I can say that I have not witnessed a more special event for this event in my career so far.
“This place has a special event in my heart.”
The deal was sweetened by the presence of a Greek contingent in the stands, which Tsitsipas singled out in his acceptance speech.
“I want to thank my compatriots who came to support me with their Greek flags, it makes it feel a little more like home, a little bit, so thank you for that,” he added.
The Greek also praised his Spanish opponent, with Davidovich Fokina coming up short after a stellar week in Monaco.
Ranked 46th in the world and unseeded for the tournament, the 22-year-old took the biggest scalp possible in beating world No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the round of 32, winning 6-3 6-7(5 ) 6-1.
Another eye-catching victory over American Taylor Fritz followed in the quarterfinals and Tsitsipas showered the Spaniard with compliments afterwards.
“You are someone who makes me better, I hope I am the same,” Tsitsipas told Davidovich Fokina in court. “I want to congratulate you on your hard work.
“Congratulations to you, congratulations to your team, congratulations to everyone who surrounds you and makes you the person you are.”
Davidovich Fokina repeated the kind words of the victor, but promised that “revenge” would come soon enough.
“Congratulations Stefanos, he played better than me today,” said Davidovich Fokina.
“He has a great team and he is doing very well. Soon the revenge. We will certainly see many battles together many times, I hope.
“When I was a kid I used to watch all the finals on TV and I thought about coming here to play the final one day and I’ll make it and I hope to be here next year.”