Stefanos Tsitsipas successfully defends Monte-Carlo title with straight set win in final
- Planet Sport writer
- 17 April 2022
Stefanos Tsitsipas put on a convincing display in Monaco on Sunday afternoon, sealing a 6-3 7-6(3) victory to win the title in successive years.
Stefanos Tsitsipas followed up his 2021 success in Monte-Carlo with another dominant showing this year, beating Spaniard Davidovich Fokina in the final.
The 23-year-old started strongly and managed to avoid mistakes as he took the first set 6-3.
Davidovich Fokina rallied in the second and took it to the wire, and after Tsitsipas missed a crucial chance to serve out for the victory, it looked as if momentum swung in favour of the 22-year-old Spaniard.
But Tsitsipas kept his composure in the decisive tie-break, winning 7-3 to seal the victory inside 90 minutes.
BACK TO BACK TSITSIPAS 🏆🏆
— We Are Tennis (@WeAreTennis) April 17, 2022
Stefanos Tsitsipas retains his title in Monte-Carlo mastering Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the final 6-3 7-6! pic.twitter.com/OMxXXv1KCs
Following his victory, the Greek star said "I am very proud of myself.
"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."
The win also moves Tsitsipas up into second in the ATP Race to Turin.
🏆 STEFANOS II 🏆@steftsitsipas defends his #RolexMCMasters title with a 6-3 7-6 win over Davidovich Fokina in Monte-Carlo! pic.twitter.com/7jTzXO6zLB
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 17, 2022
The world No.5 now has eight titles to his name, and will be wanting to move closer to Rafael Nadal's No.4 spot in the rankings.
Tsitsipas is also the first back-to-back Monte-Carlo champion since Nadal won in three consecutive years between 2016-18.
Next up for the talented Greek youngster is the Barcelona Open, where he'll be the No.1 seed in the tournament.
