Recollections of ultimate failings in 500-level tournaments swirled round Stefanos Tsitsipas’ head.
Carrying an ignominious 0-11 profession document in 500 finals onto court docket in Dubai tonight, Tsitsipas blistered his forehand, battered ultimate baggage and broke by way of with the most important outside hard-court crown of his profession.
A dedicated Tsitsipas saved all seven break factors he confronted warding off Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 6-3 to seize his twelfth Tour-level title and first 500-level championship in a victory that vaults him again into the Prime 10.
“That is one thing I used to be combating for for a very long time,” Tsitsipas stated. “It’s nice that it occurred right here in Dubai.
“My recreation sort of clicked and issues sort of labored very effectively from the start. I had some loopy fights out right here so it’s an enormous aid that I’m capable of maintain that trophy lastly after the third try. I’m pleased it’s the primary time I completed it.”orld No. 21 Auger-Aliassime, who beat Tsitsipas to win his maiden ATP title on the 2022 Rotterdam, was bidding to turn out to be the primary man to win three titles in 2025. The Canadian stored pushing, however Tsitsipas had all of the solutions right this moment.
“I had an important week and I had lots of enjoyable,” Auger-Aliassime stated. “Tonight wasn’t meant to be for me, however congrats to Stefanos and his workforce.
“We’ve identified one another for a really very long time. Tonight you performed at a really excessive degree. Hopefully, we’ll have extra possibilities to play extra finals sooner or later.”
In his first two Dubai finals, Tsitsipas misplaced to Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
Right this moment, Tsitsipas gained 35 of 42 first-serve factors and broke the Canadian late in each units beating Auger-Aliassime for the seventh time in 10 conferences. Tsitsipas will return to the Prime 10 at No. 9 when the brand new ATP rankings are launched on Monday.
“These are the issues we’re combating for as skilled tennis gamers,” Tsitsipas stated. “To be proudly owning a spot within the Prime 10 is certainly one of many greatesting emotions a tennis participant can expertise.
“It comes with the arduous work and sacrifices and all it’s important to endure as a tennis participant. I’m actually pleased I’m able to have a good time proper now.”
