Stefanos Tsitsipas’s comeback at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters keeps going strong.
In the ATP Masters 1000 event on Friday, the World No. 12 defeated Karen Khachanov 6-4, 6-2 to get to the semifinals. After taking Khachanov’s aggressive early shots, Tsitsipas remained unwavering and went on to win in 83 minutes against a player who was only five spots lower than him in the PIF ATP Rankings.
Tsitsipas entered the Principality with a modest 11-6 record for 2024, but it seems that returning to the venue where he won back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022 has energized him. When he faces Jannik Sinner in the final four, the 25-year-old Greek will be attempting to make his third participation in a championship match in Monte-Carlo. Sinner defeated Holger Rune 6-4, 6-7(6), 6-3.
“I would lie if I said it doesn’t bring good memories stepping out on this court,” declared Tsitsipas, who had just defeated Khachanov to cap off a commanding third-round victory over World No. 5 Alexander Zverev. “It’s something that I attribute some of my performances here over time to.”
“I come back here, and I sort of relive those memories of the past. It gives good feelings to me when I’m able to play in front of crowds like this and be able to try and strive for excellence with my game.”
In the first game of the match, Tsitsipas broke Khachanov’s serve. Although he lost service again in the following game, Tsitsipas eventually served well to thwart Khachanov’s attempts to dominate in return. According to Infosys ATP Stats, the Greek won 84% (27/32) of the points after first serves, extending his lead in the Lexus ATP Head2Head over Khachanov to 8-1.
At 2-2 in the second set, Khachanov summoned the physiotherapist to treat his leg, but he was able to move freely until the match’s conclusion. On his first-ever Monte-Carlo quarterfinal appearance, he was obviously irritated after sending a simple overhead wide to give Tsitsipas a break for 3-2. He also failed to generate a break point in the second set.
“My returns were effective. I was generating a lot of pace and gained good momentum at some point,” Tsitsipas remarked. “He seemed good and well composed in his tennis. He wasn’t giving away too many unforced errors and seemed pretty calm from behind the baseline. I tried to do my part, which was to press as much as I could and not rush myself into the rallies.”
“I was trying to predict and read certain things on the court and it worked out pretty well. I took my time once again to understand what works and what doesn’t and today I was persistent in my efforts to walk away with something good.”
