By Paul MOUGIN on 04/12/2024 at 5:54 p.m. Updated on 04/12/2024 at 10:00 p.m.
Photo: @ROLEXMCMASTERS
Stefanos Tsitsipas and the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, a love story that endures. Over the past four years, the Greek has illuminated the Principality with two triumphs in 2021 and 2022, a quarter-final appearance in 2023, and now a semi-final spot in 2024. Despite facing challenges and dropping to 12th place in the world rankings, the 25-year-old has rediscovered his form on his favored surface. This Friday, in the quarter-finals, he dominated Karen Khachanov, who had previously defeated Daniel Medvedev. Despite losing his first service game, Tsitsipas rallied to win in straight sets in under 1 hour and 30 minutes (6-4, 6-2). He is set to face Jannik Sinner on Saturday for a spot in the final.
Video – The Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters 2024 to follow until Sunday
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“Clay tournaments only last a certain amount of time…”
Feeling at home on the Rock, Tsitsipas exudes confidence this week. “I’d be lying if I said it didn’t bring back fond memories of stepping on that court. That’s something I attribute some of my performances here to over time. I come back here and relive these memories of the past. I feel good when I can perform for an audience like this. I can try to strive for excellence in my game. These are opportunities that don’t come around often during the year. Clay court tournaments only last a certain amount of time. I try to make the most of it.“
To secure a third final appearance here, the challenge ahead against Sinner looms large. Having faced each other eight times, with Tsitsipas emerging victorious in five encounters, the Greek recalls their first meeting in 2019 in Rome. “From our first duel, in Rome five years ago, I immediately noticed his rather unique talent. He already had it in his hands, showed great qualities, produced exceptional shots. He was extremely thin, and I remember saying to myself specifically: Imagine, when this kid puts on five to ten kilos of muscle, the threat he will become. And that’s what he became.” commented Tsitsipas at a press conference, as reported by The Team.
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