2024 Monte Carlo Masters Highlights

Stefanos Tsitsipas once again showcased his prowess at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, defeating Casper Ruud with a convincing 6-1, 6-4 scoreline to secure his third Monte-Carlo title in four years. Playing in a venue where he has historically excelled, Tsitsipas demonstrated exceptional form on Court Rainier III. He executed powerful forehand shots that pushed Ruud back and made strategic advances to the net, controlling the match from start to finish.

Joining the Ranks of the Elite

His victory, which lasted one hour and 37 minutes, placed him among the elite players like Rafael Nadal, Bjorn Borg, Thomas Muster, and Ilie Nastase, who have also won the Monte-Carlo titles multiple times. Following his win, an emotional Tsitsipas collapsed in joy on the court, later celebrating with his opponent and his supportive team. Overwhelmed with emotion, he remarked, "Winning here for the third time is incredibly special; each victory here feels increasingly significant," acknowledging the profound impact of his achievements.

Overcoming Challenges with a Resilient Spirit

Despite a challenging start to the year, Tsitsipas found his rhythm in Monte-Carlo, echoing his past successes where he triumphed over top-tier players like Alexander Zverev and Jannik Sinner. Notably, this tournament marked his first since Toronto in 2018, where he claimed victories over three Top 10 players, including the 10th-ranked Ruud.

Monte Carlo Masters Recap

In a stunning Monte Carlo Masters semifinal, Casper Ruud defeated top seed Novak Djokovic 6-4, 1-6, 6-4, marking a significant moment in his career by overcoming the world number-one for the first time after five previous defeats. Ruud's victory came after he strategically broke Djokovic early in the match and maintained composure amidst intense pressure in the decisive set, capitalizing on Djokovic’s unforced errors to seal his victory. This win not only avenged his loss in the previous year's French Open final but also set him up for a championship face-off against Stefanos Tsitsipas. Earlier, Tsitsipas had advanced by defeating second seed Jannik Sinner in a tightly contested match, completing the setup for an exhilarating final.

Controversial Call in Monte Carlo Masters Semifinal