Reminiscences of ultimate failings in 500-level tournaments swirled round Stefanos Tsitsipas’ head.
Carrying an ignominious 0-11 profession file in 500 finals onto court docket in Dubai tonight, Tsitsipas blistered his forehand, battered last baggage and broke by means of with the largest out of doors 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 High 10.
“That is one thing I used to be preventing for for a very long time,” Tsitsipas mentioned. “It’s nice that it occurred right here in Dubai.
“My sport form of clicked and issues form of labored very properly from the start. I had some loopy fights out right here so it’s an enormous aid that I’m in a position to 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 change into the primary man to win three titles in 2025. The Canadian saved pushing, however Tsitsipas had all of the solutions right this moment.
“I had an important week and I had a number of enjoyable,” Auger-Aliassime mentioned. “Tonight wasn’t meant to be for me, however congrats to Stefanos and his crew.
“We’ve identified one another for a really very long time. Tonight you performed at a really excessive degree. Hopefully, we’ll have extra probabilities 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 High 10 at No. 9 when the brand new ATP rankings are launched on Monday.
“These are the issues we’re preventing for as skilled tennis gamers,” Tsitsipas mentioned. “To be proudly owning a spot within the High 10 is certainly one of many greatesting emotions a tennis participant can expertise.
“It comes with the exhausting work and sacrifices and all it’s important to endure as a tennis participant. I’m actually pleased I’m able to rejoice proper now.”
