Tsitsipas advances in Monte-Carlo after Djere retires

Stefanos Tsitsipas continued his standout record at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters on Monday when he advanced to the second round after Laslo Djere was forced to retire. Tsitsipas led 6-3, 3-2 when the Serbian stopped due to right arm pain.

The Greek has produced his best tennis in the Principality in recent years, winning the title in 2021 and 2022 before he advanced to the quarter-finals in 2023.

"Things are looking good. I am hoping to go the same way," Tsitsipas said. "I really enjoyed getting a better consistency on my serve towards the end. I hope to keep mixing it up and coming up with fun plays."

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The 25-year-old has struggled to find his highest level in 2024, though, holding a 12-6 record on the year. Arriving in Monte-Carlo at No. 12 in the PIF ATP Rankings, Tsitsipas will hope a return to the clay-court event can help him return to his best.

During the 62 minutes he was on court against Djere, he struck 11 winners and broke the Serbian’s serve three times. Tsitsipas will next play Nicolas Jarry or Tomas Martin Etcheverry. The 25-year-old, who holds a 15-3 record in Monte-Carlo, is chasing his first title of the season this week.

French No. 1 Ugo Humbert continued his impressive season with a 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 win against Federico Coria. The World No. 15 has won two tour-level titles in 2024, triumphing in Marseille and Dubai. Humbert will next meet Zhizhen Zhang or Marcos Giron.

Karen Khachanov reached the second round, moving past Briton Cameron Norrie 7-5, 7-6(3). The 27-year-old saved two set points in the second set before eventually advancing after two hours and 25 minutes. Roman Safiullin also advanced, defeating Jaume Munar 7-5, 6-1.

In other action, Indian Sumit Nagal won his first match in Monte-Carlo. The No. 93 player in the PIF ATP Rankings beat Matteo Arnaldi 5-7, 6-2, 6-4 in two hours and 38 minutes.