Stefanos Tsitsipas has defeated Englishman Dan Evans 6-2 6-1 in the semi-final of the Monte-Carlo Masters as the Greek prepares for his third career ATP Masters 1000 final.
At age 30, Dan Evans had a dream run in the Monte-Carlo Masters, defeating World No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the Round of 16. The British tennis player was unfortunately paired up with Tsitsipas, who continues his incredible form and is yet to drop a set in Monte Carlo.
Tsitsipas played pitch-perfect tennis off the ground, striking 21 winners to just 13 unforced errors and converted five of 11 break point opportunities, while allowing the Brit just one break of his own serve in the first set.
“I think I found ways to play my best and I couldn’t even think of the score because it was really difficult to maintain that level of consistency,” said Tsitsipas after the match.
“…But I’m really pleased I managed to deal with all the difficult moments that presented themselves in the match.”
It was a battle of the backhands as Tsitsipas and Evans entered multiple standoffs in the match, with the most notable of these being a trio of service breaks in the opening set which saw Tsitsipas gain a 4-2 lead.
While powerful shots forced the two to keep to their baseline, Tsitsipas came to the net on 17 occasions throughout the match, proving to be the difference in the second set. The Greek capitalised on Evans’ aggressive hits and sent a backhand volley to break for 3-1. From there, Tsitsipas went on to win the semi-final match.
To claim his first Masters 1000 title, Tsitsipas will need to defeat either Casper Ruud or Andrey Rublev in Sunday’s final, with the latter dethroning 11-time Monte Carlo winner Rafael Nadal on Friday.
“It’s great to be in the final of such prestigious, high-class event. I don’t know who I’ll get in the final, but either would definitely be a difficult opponent to face, and to fight for a title this week.”
