Sven Micosse, Monte Carlo
Stefanos Tsitsipas defended his Masters title from Monte Carlo in an impressive manner. In the end he is too strong for the surprise finalist and Djokovic conqueror Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (ATP 46), defeating him 6: 3, 7: 6 (7: 3).
The Spaniard starts well in his first tour final, catching Tsitsipas on the wrong foot with an early break. But the answer from the Greek follows immediately and he secures the first sentence.
At the beginning of the second movement it threatens to become a short affair. Tsitsipas quickly pulled away 2-0, but his opponent was able to catch himself as a result – also thanks to the crowd, which frantically sided with the underdog. It’s an exciting game, the momentum swings back and forth between the two.
Davidovich Fokina fairy tale ends
The decision is made in the tie-break, where Tsitsipas doesn’t miss the chance and closes the sack. In typical Davidovich Fokina manner, the 22-year-old braces himself against the impending defeat. But his dive at match point from Tsitsipas ends up in the off, the fairy tale is over.
The title defense is a special one for the world number five. Last year he won in front of empty ranks. “It’s a great feeling. I think it’s twice as special in many ways. Of course it’s a lot more nerve-wracking, people are involved, the fans are screaming and chanting, but it was a great way to crown it in the end,” said Tsitsipas on his PK.
Now the 23-year-old Athenian wants to continue his form and is already looking beyond the clay season. “If I’m able to win the matches with the same consistency as I do on this surface, I have a great chance of ending the year in the top two.”
Exhausted but happy
Despite the defeat, his opponent Davidovich Fokina can only look back with satisfaction on the past week. «It was an amazing experience. I enjoyed every day here. To beat Djokovic and all other players who are at a high stage in their careers.” The man from Malaga almost can’t think of the words anymore. Exhausted but happy, he jokes: “There were a lot of emotions and my body is shutting down now. Maybe I need a beer or something.”
After such a week of hard work – well deserved. While he was 46th in the world rankings before the start of the tournament, he will now climb 19 places and be in the top 30 for the first time. Tsitsipas remains number five.
