Stefanos Tsitsipas clinched his third Monte Carlo Masters title in four years with a commanding 6-1, 6-4 victory over Norwegian eighth seed Casper Ruud on Sunday.
Tsitsipas displayed dominance from the start, swiftly securing the opening set by winning six consecutive games in just 36 minutes.
While the second set saw a tighter contest, Tsitsipas remained formidable, ultimately overpowering Ruud. His straight-sets triumph marked a historic milestone as he became the first player in the professional era to claim three Monte Carlo finals without dropping a set.
Tsitsipas, who recently defeated Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner in the semifinals, notched his first title of 2024, elevating his career tally to 11 titles.
Tsitsipas joins Rafa Nadal, Bjorn Borg, Thomas Muster and Ilie Nastase to win at least three Monte Carlo titles.
"It's been very difficult. To be back on the podiums and winning tournaments feels amazing," Tsitsipas said.
"I can't thank enough my family and friends... for making this possible.
"The trinity is even more special than the first or second time. This is purely unbelievable for me. Capturing that win today was nerve-wracking. I really wanted the trinity so I got it. I'm extremely happy today."
Having come into the claycourt Masters 1000 event with an 11-6 win-loss record for 2024, Tsitsipas will return to the world's top 10 on Monday after dropping out for the first time since 2019 earlier in the year.
But it was yet another heartbreak for former French and U.S. Open finalist Ruud, who had stunned world number one Novak Djokovic in the semis, having lost the Mexican and Los Cabos Open final earlier this year.
"I'd like to congratulate Stef for winning Monte Carlo once again," Ruud said. "You (Tsitsipas) love this tournament. Very, very well played all week.
"I know you fell out of top 10 a few weeks ago but you're back again where I think you belong. You're a fantastic player and especially on clay and Monte Carlo... Congratulations to you and your team."
(With Reuters inputs)
