Djokovic’s Defeat, Tsitsipas’ Triumph: The Surprises of the Monte-Carlo Masters

The name Monte-Carlo says it all. The Italian version of Charles for Charles III, who created the fortunes of the modern Principality by his bet on a grand Casino in Monte Carlo, a bet that won big as the aristocracy of Europe and the world’s multi-millionaires flocked to the Principality and its inviting year-round climate for fun. 

This is the 117th occasion where thousands of French and Italians gather to cheer for their tennis heroes. The atmosphere at the Monte-Carlo Country Club is electric, the stands virtually vibrating with the wishes of the fans. 

Thank goodness that Nadal was so loved. He reigned in Monte-Carlo with an unbeatable 11 trophies… the crowds were fond of the modest Spaniard but deep-down they were always waiting for a Frenchman or Italian. Djokovic, in 2013 and 2015 stealing Nadal’s crown was a world-beater and similarly Tsitsipas with two titles, but they lacked Italian or French credentials. 

This year was perfect; it is the year of the Italians. It is the year where the old guard of Nadal, Federer and Djokovic yield. The new hero is Jannik Sinner, in form and fresh off his win in the Australian Grand Slam and Miami. An Italian for the crowds to embrace, cheer and make the Principality rock with frivolity and excitement. 

Who could stop him… Alcaraz, the new young Spanish pretender to the throne (withdrawn injured) or a resurgent Djokovic. No… the writing was on the wall. It is the year or perhaps even the decade of the Italians, the new gun has arrived and nothing can stop this wave. Yet, nothing is predictable in tennis, except Nadal who is the GOAT on clay… but Nadal is not fit enough to play and must come down to earth and yield to the law of gravity with age.

Nothing is predictable and this year’s Rolex Monte-Carlo proved just that. It was chock full of hope and full of surprises. Full of hope because until the quarter-finals, even until the semi-finals, dreams were still intact. Sinner was showing his brilliance taking some big scalps in the process including Rune… the feverishly excited Italian crowd were just waiting for the award ceremony. Djokovic believers knew their man would stop this upstart Sinner. After all Djokovic is still world number one and with a valid claim to GOAT with his record 24 Grand Slam singles titles, more than anyone in history. 

And he dutifully wound his way through the draw defeating the popular Italian Musetti, revenge for taking Nolo’s scalp last year, and an in-form Alex de Minaur in the quarter-finals.

It’s Sinner versus Djokovic, right?

And so we have in the semi-finals the right line-up. Sinner against Tsitsipas and Djokovic against Ruud. In any tournament there is a round that if you had a ticket it is golden. This year it was the semi-finals in Monte-Carlo.

Everyone forgot about Tsitsipas who has quietly earned his spurs to be the giant killer in Monte-Carlo. In the excitement about Sinner and Djokovic we forgot that he is the only other person recently, other than Nadal & Djoko, to have won Monte-Carlo multiple times. This is his stage. He has skipped off our radar because after taking a charge at the number one ranking in the world he has slipped a little out of the Top Ten.

Now in the semi-finals he wakes us up taking the first set from Sinner. Tension mounts, this can’t be happening. The Italians forbid it. Dutifully Jannik responds and assumes mastery in the second set. The third set had it all and if Sinner has an Achilles heel it is that his backhand is slightly unconventional and is explosive or not depending on whether his contact point is slightly off. Not forgetting that Tsitsipas showed why he used to be charging at the number one title. No sign of waning form, he takes Sinner to the wire and walks away with a deciding third-set thriller win. So Stefanos Tsitsipas returned to the final in Monte-Carlo, already double winner of the tournament in 2021 and 2022. The Greek defeated Jannik Sinner, the world number 2, who has had an incredible season (winner of the Australian Open and Miami) in three sets (6-4, 3-6, 6-4). Tsitsipas, now ranked 12th in the world, is back at the top. The Italians are deflated blaming a referee error in the third set, which wouid have put Tsitsipas down 4-1. But now everyone backs the other certainty Djokovic. Monte Carlo is the stage for world number 1s. The GOAT will win. It’s all over surely just awaiting Prince Albert to pile another trophy on the GOAT. 

But there’s a new upcoming Scandinavian young gun zooming into the Top 10 in the world; it is the Norwegian Ruud and he is not afraid of the Serb. Although he should be because in five previous encounters he has never even taken a set off Djokovic. But the pundits know that Djokovic is vulnerable this year. He just had a separation from coach Ivan Ivanisovic and he comes into Monte-Carlo with questions as to how much off peak form he is. He recently paid the price in Indian Wells, eliminated in the third round. But Djoko like a wounded lion is dangerous. Dangerous enough to keep the suspense going against giant-killer Ruud for three sets. 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 is the score and Ruud prevails.

And so we have the final that has up-ended expectations. It’s young and fresh, true, but a little less pasta, and a little less fine Italian Barolo wine is likely to be drunk this week.

Don’t Forget the Doubles

At midday on finals day, the 117th edition of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters had another grand final, setting the stage for the singles final. 

On either side of the net stood two pairs with different profiles: a true pair of specialists, the Belgians Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen who wouid take the trophy. The seasoned doubles player, Marcelo Melo, with top player on the circuit, Alexander Zverev could not prevail, but it was close with the final score: 5-7, 6-3, 10-5.

Tsitsipas versus Ruud – Singles Final

Tsitsipas is definitely a local favourite and is often to be seen practicing on the courts of Monte Carlo Country Club or working out in the gym with girl-friend Paula Badosa. The crowd is heavily pro Tsitsipas. There is a contingent though rooting for Ruud. And on current form Ruud should take it. He is charging forward in the Top 10 rankings, improving while Tsitsipas, who was a contender at the very top has slipped off just a few spots. 

Tsitsipas was having none of it in Monte-Carlo. Dispelling any doubters and delighting the crowd, he had a blinding first set. Ruud is mis-firing on his forehand. Tsitsipas is showing no weakness off both wings and is a confident giant in the air. Smash after overhead smash declares he is back in top form.

Even as Ruud recovers his form in the second set and makes a game of it, Tsitsipas is unyielding. The crowd waits for a reversal. They are enjoying themselves and want to prolong this into a three-setter. It always happens, no one can keep up perfect form. Yet, Tsitsipas defied gravity and just continued with his perfect game. His overhead smashes said it all perfection. The Scandinavians had to join the Italians and wait for next year.

Tsitsipas is the new King of Monte-Carlo. After Nadal he is now Emperor of Centre Court in Monte-Carlo. A poignant moment as the Greek ended up in tears at the edge of the court. With this third title in Monte-Carlo and the 11th title of his career, he is in great company here with masters of Clay Nastase, Borg, and Muster as the most titled players of the Open era behind the GOAT Rafael Nadal who has an untouchable 11 victories to his credit.

A Princely Occasion to End a Perfect Tournament

On this Sunday, April 14, 2024, the Monaco princely family was seen gathered as if on the occasion of the national holiday. Prince Albert II, Princess Charlène, and Crown Prince Jacques attended the final of this Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, surrounded by the children of Princesses Caroline and Stéphanie. The Grimaldi family witnessed the third victory of Greek tennis player Stefanos Tsitsipas on Centre Court. 

Crown Prince Jacques, 10 years old, sported a regal look with sunglasses perched on his nose. Last year, Princess Gabriella, the twin sister of the heir to the throne, was also present. Albert, Charlène, and Jacques sat near their cousin, Mélanie-Antoinette de Massy, president of the Monte-Carlo Country Club and the Monaco Tennis Federation.

A perfect sunny day, a perfect tournament!