GREEK star Stefanos Tsitsipas has won his third Monte Carlo Masters, getting past fellow clay court talent Casper Ruud in the final. The decider on Court Rainier III lasted 97 minutes, with the 12th seed winning 6-1 6-4 over the eighth seeded Norwegian, adding the 2024 title to his back-to-back 2021-22 trophies.

It is an event that Tsitsipas has dominated in recent years, becoming only the second active player – behind Rafael Nadal (11 times) to win three or more trophies. In taking out the title – and Ruud defeating Novak Djokovic – it denied the Serbian top ranked star a third title.

Tsitsipas won 60 and 68 per cent of his first and second serve points, and while his first serve efficiency (48 per cent) was down, he saved all eight break points against him, digging deep when the going got touch. He also split his break point chances off Ruud’s serve to level his head-to-head with the Norwegian on the ATP Tour at 2-2, bouncing back from his straight sets loss to Ruud at Los Cabos.

The title is Tsitsipas’ 11th on Tour, with all three of his Masters 1000 trophies coming at Monte Carlo. He also returns to the top 10 for the first time in two months, rising up to seventh in the world.

“I had to go out there and show my tennis as I promised every single of of them [my team] I will make the most out of it,” Tsitsipas said post-match. “I am glad I presented on court and showed some ruthless tennis. From the beginning to the end my play was cohesive and I was able to blend in a lot of different shots.”

After a rough start to the 2024 season where he won just 11 of 17 matches, Tsitsipas was thrilled to finally take out his maiden title his year and get his season back on track.

“It has been very difficult, so to be back on the podiums, winning tournaments just feels amazing,” Tsitsipas said. “I can’t thank my family enough and friends, and if there is God out there, for making this moment possible. I am extremely grateful for every person behind this journey. The third time is even more special than the first or second time. This is an unbelievable win for me. Capturing that win today was nerve-wracking. I really wanted this trinity. I am extremely happy today.”

While Ruud fell short of his first ever Masters 1000 title, the Norwegian said he was happy with his week, particularly being able to knock off Djokovic in the semi-finals.

“I think I have taken a few steps [forward] this week, but today it just didn’t work out well. Obviously saying that, I took a few steps, I think I played well on the clay and also yesterday beating Djokovic was a fantastic win for me and something that I hope I can kind of take confidence from,” Ruud said.

“Maybe not today, but maybe next time I play a big match or hopefully next time if I’m in a big final again I will think about the fact that I have beaten Novak before. [It] can be something that can give me confidence.”

2024 MONTE CARLO MASTERS FINAL RESULT:

[12] Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) defeated [8] Casper Ruud (NOR) 6-1 6-4