Highlights as clinical Taylor Fritz dumps Stefanos Tsitsipas dumped out in Monte Carlo

Publish date: 2024-05-07
Delight for Taylor Fritz

There will be no hat-trick of Monte Carlo Masters titles for Stefanos Tsitsipas as the two-time defending champion’s run was ended by Taylor Fritz in the quarter-final on Friday.

It was an efficient performance from Fritz from start to finish as he brushed aside the Greek with a 6-2, 6-4 victory in one hour and 12 minutes to reach his maiden ATP Masters 1000 semi-final on clay.

“I thought my level today was very high. I think I played a very good match. Beating him here gives me a lot of confidence,” the American said. “It has given me the reassurance I need to know I can play well on clay.

“I seemed to play well on the big points. I took my chances. I knew that if I played too safe he would be able to get around and dictate on the forehand. So even in the pressure moments I pulled the trigger.”

Breaks in games one and three saw Fritz race into a 4-0 lead and he eventual served the opening set out to love.

Tsitsipas, who was on a 12-match winning run in Monte Carlo, produced a better effort in the second set as Fritz had to wait until the seventh game to break, but the Greek hit back immediately only for the eighth seed to get a second break to all but seal the victory.

The Greek lamented a poor display.

“I just seemed off. My serve was not working very well today, and against opponents like Taylor, you have to serve well,” Tsitsipas said.

“I was aware of that during the match. I just couldn’t find the rhythm. I am much better than this and I’m disappointed I was not able to show my game today.

“I tried to fight in the second set. It’s a good lesson. It’s not a happy day for me, but it’s a good lesson.”

Fritz is now just two wins away from a first-ever title on clay and second ATP Masters trophy following his 2022 Indian Wells victory. The 25-year-old will meet Andrey Rublev in for a place in the final after the fifth seed defeated German qualifier Jan-Lennard Struff 6-1, 7-6 (7-5).

“He is a great player and a good friend and I am excited for the match,” Fritz said when asked about his next opponent. “He is tough.”

Tsitsipas, meanwhile, will drop from No 3 to No 5 in the ATP Rankings on Monday following his defeat.

READ MORE: Watch: Taylor Fritz gives girlfriend Morgan Riddle a coaching session

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