Latest
Match Report

Tsitsipas win 'An adventure of a lifetime'

Greek is two-time champion in the Principality
April 11, 2024
Stefanos Tsitsipas celebrates his rollercoaster win over Alexander Zverev.
Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour
Stefanos Tsitsipas celebrates his rollercoaster win over Alexander Zverev. By ATP Staff

Stefanos Tsitsipas survived a mid-match collapse on Thursday at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, where he recovered from squandering a 5-0 lead in the second set against Alexander Zverev to eventually advance 7-5, 7-6(3).

The Greek has produced his best tennis at the clay-court event, lifting the trophy in 2021 and 2022. For a set and a half he was on top form once again in the Principality in his 15th Lexus ATP Head2Head meeting with Zverev.

"I would call it an adventure of a lifetime," Tsitsipas said. "Something I am not faced with every single day and momentum shifted dramatically at some points. It went one way and then it went completely the other way again. I don't even know, I am trying to figure out right now what happened. I was 5-0 in the second set. However, things looked pretty good in the tie-break, especially when I got the mini break."

The Official App Of Tennis | Download ATP WTA Live App

Tsitsipas demonstrated great footwork to dictate on his forehand, forcing the German deep with his heavy spin and from 7-5, 5-0, the Greek looked on course for a statement win. However, from two match points up at 5-0, Tsitsipas started to misfire and Zverev took advantage, increasing his consistency from the baseline to rally to 5-5.

With the possibility of a deciding set looming, Tsitsipas regained his composure in the tie-break, raising his arms after sealing a hard-fought two-hour, six-minute victory. It is the first time Tsitsipas has defeated a Top 5 opponent this season, with the Greek holding a 24-16 winners to unforced errors count in the match.

"It is a big win. I am grateful I was able to play the way I did today. It took a lot of mental strength throughout the entire match. It was very consistent from the beginning to the end. I felt very dominant from the baseline," Tsitsipas said. "I was able to create pace and open the court, which helped me a lot. There is more tennis to be played, I am excited to see what the future holds. Today's match was a great assessment to how much I can fight in tough moments.

The 25-year-old leads the German 10-5 in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series and will meet Karen Khachanov in the quarter-finals.

Tsitispas arrived in Monte-Carlo at No. 12 in the PIF ATP Rankings, having advanced beyond the quarter-finals at just one tour-level event so far this season (Los Cabos SF). The 12th seed is looking close to his best in the Principality, though, where he holds a 17-3 record.

Zverev is a two-time semi-finalist (2018, 22’) in Monte-Carlo. Seven of the German’s 21 tour-level trophies have come on clay.

Read More News View All News

View Related Videos View All Videos

DOWNLOAD OFFICIAL ATP WTA LIVE APP

Get it on Google Play Download on the App Store

Premier Partner

Platinum Partners

Gold Partners

Official Ball, Racquet and Tennis Accessory

Official Partners & Suppliers