Stefanos Tsitsipas captured the Monte-Carlo Masters title on Sunday, defeating Casper Ruud 6-1, 6-4 in the final. Despite struggling with his first serve at times, Tsitsipas' powerful backhand and aggressive play proved too much for Ruud to handle.
While Tsitsipas could have played better against Ruud, the Greek star still showcased his immense talent and potential. He relied on his second serve and forced Ruud into unforced errors to take the first set 6-1. The second set was tighter, as Ruud began to find his rhythm on the clay. However, Tsitsipas remained composed and broke Ruud's serve in the final game to seal the victory.
With his win in Monte-Carlo, Tsitsipas is now a legitimate contender for the French Open title later this month. He has won two clay-court titles this season and has a 19-3 record on the surface in 2023.
Tsitsipas' victory also marks a resurgence of one-handed backhands among the game's elite. Along with Dominic Thiem, Tsitsipas is one of only two players in the Top 10 with a one-handed backhand.
This resurgence of single-handed backhands among the game's elite highlights the versatility and adaptability within the sport, as players continue to showcase the effectiveness of various playing styles at the highest level.