ATP MONTE CARLO – Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas (25) beat Jannik Sinner (22) in the semifinals and advanced to the third final in Monte Carlo after a three-set battle. He will fight for another title against Casper Ruud (25). The Norwegian defeated Novak Djokovic (36) for the first time and claimed the most valuable victory of his career.
Djokovic – Ruud 4:6, 6:1, 4:6
Casper Ruud took a 4:1 lead at the beginning of the match and despite the loss of serve, he maintained the lead and won the first set. The Norwegian played at least a set against Novak Djokovic for the first time. In the second set, the Serb started with a break and took the lead for the first time in the match. The world number one improved his game and started playing more aggressively. He lost only 5 fifteens on serve, twice took Nor’s serve and won the set with a ratio of 6:1.
Ruud started better in the decisive act. After a long exchange that ended with a winning backhand, which was applauded by Djokovic himself, he prepared his fourth break point in the match. He immediately took advantage and jumped to a 2:0 lead. The Norwegian was the better player on the court until 4:2. But Djokovic started to play more aggressively again and equalized. The last two games belonged to the Norwegian tennis player, who celebrated the biggest victory of his career after his opponent’s double fault.
“I’m super happy and I’ll remember this day forever. I’ve never been able to beat Novak and I’m glad I did it today. I was leading in the third set but he raised his game and showed how well he can play under pressure . Tomorrow will be a special day for me, the first final here in Monte Carlo. I’ve been trying to get a big title for a few years, tomorrow I’ll have another chance and I’ll do everything to win.” Ruud said after his most valuable victory.
Ruud became the first Norwegian in history to beat the world number one. Djokovic’s premier scalp gave him his first win against a TOP 3 player and advanced to his second Masters final.
Two-time champion Novak Djokovic played in the semi-finals in Monte Carlo for the first time since winning the title in 2015, but he is still waiting for his first final of the year. His goal on the slowest surface will not only be a fourth triumph at the French Open, but also the Olympic Games at Roland Garros, where he may have the last chance to attack for the first gold medal.
Tsitsipas – Sinner 6:4, 3:6, 6:4
Jannik Sinner did not seem as dominant as in previous matches at the beginning. Stefanos Tsitsipas broke his serve in the third game and the Greek lost only six points on his serve in the first set. In the second act, the Italian averted all six break points. In the ninth game, Sinner served for the set and forced a deciding set after a long 13-minute gam.
In the third set, the second player of the world had a significant advantage from the beginning. After arguing with the umpire, Tsitsipas threw himself and lost serve in the first game. In the fifth game, Sinner had another chance to break, but the referee did not report a significant out of Tsitsipas’ serve, and Sinner did not convert the break point. In the end, the Greek held his serve and reduced the score to 2:3.
At the next change of sides, the Italian requested a break to treat his right leg. In the following game, he lost his serve for the second time in the match, and by winning three games in a row, the Greek took the lead. Changing sides, Sinner again required light leg treatment. Thanks to this, he lost another serve and Tsitsipas could rejoice in advancing to the third final in Monaco.
WHAT. A. MOMENT @steftsitsipas returns to the final after a thrilling victory over Sinner! pic.twitter.com/AaldkQpixQ
— Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters (@ROLEXMCMASTERS) April 13, 2024
“It was the best level of tennis that Jannik and I showed today. He is one of the toughest opponents and I’m glad I managed to find a way to win. I believe that such a victory will help me a lot and I am excited to show my best tennis again. Matches like this are exactly why I work every day.” commented the Greek about his most valuable win this year.
Tsitsipas stopped Sinner’s winning streak and handed him only his second defeat this year after an almost three-hour duel. He increased the head-to-head lead to 6:3 and 4:1 on clay. The Greek returns to the TOP 10 by reaching his seventh Masters final.
The champion from 2021 and 2022 will play his third final here, in which he will face Novak Djokovic or Casper Ruud.
Results of the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Monte Carlo
The article was originally published for Livesport Zprávy.
2024-04-13 18:21:07
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