Stefanos Tsitsipas has made a return trip to the final of the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters and will have the chance to successfully defend his title on Sunday afternoon.
His opponent is much more surprising than last year’s, when Tsitsipas defeated Andrey Rublev 6-3, 6-3 to lift the trophy. This time around the other finalist is Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who is No. 46 in the world and unseeded this week.
Saturday marks their third meeting and their second straight in Monte-Carlo. During quarterfinal action last spring, Tsitsipas took the first set 7-5 before the Spaniard retired. They also faced each other earlier this season on the indoor hard courts of Rotterdam and it went the distance, with the Greek getting the job done 7-5, 6-7(1), 6-4.
Clearly the underdog is more than capable of being competitive in this matchup, but the odds are stacked against him when it comes to pulling off the upset. Davidovich Fokina is coming off consecutive three-setters against Taylor Fritz and Grigor Dimitrov, part of a grueling week highlighted by a 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-1 defeat of world No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the second round.
“I am so, so happy to be in the final,” the 22-year-old Spaniard assured. “It is a dream come true. When I was a kid I was dreaming about this day…. Since preseason in December, we worked very hard to have moment like this. From the beginning of this season I had a lot of matches that I could have won, but I lost them. I just continued to keep believing to keep pushing; doesn’t matter about the results. I am just enjoying every moment and playing every ball.”
Tsitsipas endured one thriller on his way to the championship match. In the quarterfinals against Diego Schwartzman, the No. 3 seed squandered a 6-2, 5-2 lead, lost the second set, fell behind 4-0 in the third, and then reeled off six straight games to prevail. He otherwise has not dropped a set, including a 6-4, 6-2 beatdown of Alexander Zverev in the semis. That will leave Tsitsipas well-rested for Sunday’s final.
“It’s going to take a little bit more (to beat Davidovich Fokina),” Tsitsipas said. “He’s on a good run; in a good rhythm. I’ve played him before. He’s a good opponent; I’ve had big battles against him and I’m going to try and be as ready as possible.”
This one should be extremely entertaining for a while, as both players are awesome on clay and in great form. However, this is Davidovich Fokina’s first-ever ATP final–not just his first at the Masters 1000 final. Tsitsipas has all of the experience and is more rested, so look for him to take control and then cruise to victory.
Pick: Tsitsipas in 2
WWW?
New was too too too late, as of today 4/18 Tsitsipas already won.
I have Tsitsipas in 3 for this one.
Before this week, Davidovich had played just 13 matches, so he’s got more than enough in the tank for the final, so great to finally see him do well since he has had a pretty poor start to the season, I knew he had this in him somewhere, this could be a tough matchup for Tsitsipas, he hasn’t strolled through the draw like he did last year with Djere and Schwartzman giving him a hard time, Tsitsipas in 3.
I think ADF has a chance in this one. Both players have edges they can exploit.
DHB v SHB
Davidovich Fokina has a bigger forehand
Tsitsipas has the better serve, wins at the net and with scrappy play.
I doubt there is any physical edge. Tsitsipas could barely walk after Schwartzman.
This isn’t a case of a player turning up to a final without being tested. He’s already experienced cracking under pressure.
Tsitsipas has a similar game to Dimitrov who was in superb form.
Tsitsi in 2
Every time Davidovich Fokina has raised his level, Tstsipas has responded. Tough to beat him when he’s in this kind of form.
I’m rooting for A. Davidovich Fokina I know he is the underdog and might lose to S. Tsitsipas who is playing well and is the defending champion but I don’t think Tsitsipas is well rested.
If this tsitsipas wins then it’s going to be a tough one at least I hope it is.
Their H2H 👉 https://www.tennisexplorer.com/match-detail/?id=2073447 👈
points to a tough battle/match but history might not repeat hope it’s entertaining and not one sided
Tsitsipas better hope he gets this win because it may be his best opportunity against A. Davidovich Fokina, who will likely dominate their head-to-head in a few years time.
Knew you’d come to your senses eventually.
Tsitsipas in three
Tsitsipas in III
I know Tsitsi has the edge in this one but I am cheering for Davidovich Fokina with all of my heart! He has won me with his fight till the end attitude but most of all with his nice, humble behavior and his love and care for stray animals! He is such a nice guy! ❤️❤️
Vamos!
Tsitsipas just tried to use his experience and ADF responded, big time!
Tsitsipas has played the match of his life so far.
That wasnt me but OK
Davidovich Fokina is an iron man. An absolute rock!
ADF relaxed at the start of the TB. Match was over.
Tsitsipas is a cheat. People need to wake up and stop pandering to this guy.