Tsitsipas ends ATP 500 final curse with Dubai triumph
Stefanos Tsitsipas ended a long wait for an ATP 500 title as he defeated Félix Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 6-3 in the Dubai final on Saturday, securing his first trophy in almost a year.
The Greek star, who had lost all 11 of his previous ATP 500 finals, finally broke the streak with a commanding performance in just under 90 minutes.
“There is nothing that ensured the win today, it was just pure fighting,” said Tsitsipas. “It’s a big relief that I’m able to hold that trophy after the third attempt.”
The fourth seed had previously fallen short in two Dubai finals, losing to Roger Federer in 2019 and Novak Djokovic in 2020.
Tsitsipas controlled the match from the baseline, saving break points twice in each set and capitalizing on crucial moments. He broke Auger-Aliassime twice in the opening set and sealed the victory with a decisive break in the eighth game of the second.
The win will see Tsitsipas return to the top 10 when the updated ATP rankings are released on Monday, moving from No.11 to No.9.
“To be owning a spot in the top 10 is definitely one of the greatest feelings a tennis player can experience,” he said. “It comes with hard work and sacrifices, but I’m happy that I’m in a position where I can really celebrate.”
(Source: AFP)
