Stefanos Tsitsipas, the Greek tennis sensation, is on the verge of reclaiming his spot among the world’s elite as he advances to his third final in Dubai, just one victory away from breaking back into the top ten. Known for his prowess on the court, Tsitsipas, who boasts two Grand Slam final appearances, has successfully seized the spotlight once again by defeating Tallon Griekspoor in the semifinals with a commanding 6-4, 6-4 performance. This marks his first final since the Barcelona 2024 tournament and underscores his consistent brilliance at the Dubai event, where he holds an impressive 14-4 record.
Beginning the week as world No. 11 with 3,005 ranking points, Tsitsipas has added 230 points to his tally by reaching the final. A victory in the championship match would earn him an additional 270 points, propelling him past Tommy Paul and Alex de Minaur, and securing a re-entry into the top ten as world No. 9.
Reflecting on his journey, Tsitsipas shared his satisfaction, stating, “I feel extremely happy that I was able to avoid the drama today, and play good tennis from the beginning until the end.” He emphasized the importance of learning from each match, adapting his strategies to elevate his game continuously.
Interestingly, Tsitsipas has recently been wielding a blacked-out racket featuring his customary Wilson logo. His usual choice, the Wilson Blade 98 18/20, has been set aside as he adapts to changes in the ATP Tour, including slower balls. This switch symbolizes his commitment to overcoming recent challenges and adjusting to shifting conditions.
Despite a rocky start to the 2025 season, where he was shockingly ousted by Alex Michelsen in the opening round of the Australian Open, Tsitsipas’s determination remains unshaken. Looking ahead to the Dubai final, he is poised to face Felix Auger-Aliassime, who earned his finals berth by outlasting Quentin Halys in a three-set match. Although Auger-Aliassime boasts three victories over Tsitsipas, the Greek holds a 6-3 lead in their head-to-head encounters.
Tsitsipas has described Auger-Aliassime as ‘the most difficult opponent’ he has faced, lauding the Canadian for his powerful serving, swift pace, and capability to capitalize on both forehand and backhand opportunities.
As Tsitsipas stands on the brink of a comeback into the top ten while chasing his elusive ATP 500 title, the final in Dubai against Auger-Aliassime promises to be a thrilling encounter. The tennis world watches eagerly, anticipating whether Tsitsipas will finally overcome his ATP 500 finals hurdle and continue his ascent in the global rankings.