Tsitsipas won the title in 2021 and 2022 and made a hat-trick this afternoon in just two sets.

Tsitsipas has struggled with his form so far this year and had fallen out of the Top 10 this season.  But Ruud, who was seeded 8th in the tournament, was no match for the 12th-seeded Tsitsipas in the first set, which was wrapped up quickly in 36 minutes.

The Norwegian seemed to regain his composure in the second set and put Tsitsipas under pressure.  However, Tsitsipas saved break point after break point and claimed the win.  Only four players before Tsitsipas could win the coveted Monte Carlo Masters three times – Rafael Nadal, Bjorn Borg, Thomas Muster and Ilie Nastase. 

Both Ruud and Tsitsipas scored valuable ATP points in this final and Tsitsipas will rise to no 7 when the new ATP rankings are released on Monday.  The Greek will travel to Barcelona tomorrow to participate in the Barcelona Open. 

Reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz pulled out of the tournament due to a right arm injury that also forced him to miss this week’s Monte Carlo Masters.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger