Stefanos Tsitsipas showcased his tennis prowess as he claimed victory at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, defeating Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego 7-6(4), 6-3. This match marked Tsitsipas's return to the prestigious hard court event for the first time since reaching the final back in 2020.
Starting strong, Tsitsipas demonstrated his skill and determination during his opening match at the Aviation Club Tennis Centre on Monday. "It was not an easy first-round match," Tsitsipas commented post-match. Indeed, he faced challenges, particularly during the first set tie-break, but he managed to find his rhythm as the match progressed, showcasing powerful serve and groundstrokes throughout. With his solid performance, Tsitsipas won 81% of his first serve points, illustrating his mastery on the court.
"I felt I was in a bit of trouble at the end of the first set but I came up with some good returns and I think my attacking game came out at the moment," he shared with evident relief. The Greek star’s resilience and strategy paid off, as he leaned on his experience to secure the victory.
Now ranked No. 11, Tsitsipas has previously reached the finals of this ATP 500 event, finishing as the runner-up both in 2019 and 2020. His historical success at Dubai enhances the anticipation surrounding his return. Tsitsipas quipped, "I was pleased with not backing down and it was refreshing to come away winner today."
Continuing his momentum, the second set proved to be less intense, with Tsitsipas taking more calculated risks. "The second set felt like thebetter set. I just went for my shots and they worked," he explained, reflecting on his technique and mindset as he maintained control throughout the match.
Following this victorious outing, Tsitsipas is slated to face Russian player Karen Khachanov in the Round of 16. Khachanov also had his fair share of challenges, defeating British wild card Daniel Evans with ease at 6-1, 6-3 to clinch his spot. The upcoming match promises to be competitive, with Tsitsipas holding his pool of determination to chase his first title of the season.
This win not only boosts Tsitsipas’s confidence but reiterates his readiness and ambition this season. The Dubai Tennis Championships hold significant importance for players, acting as stepping stones toward greater achievements later on, including potentially securing ATP rankings, increased sponsorship opportunities, and building fan support.
With this triumph, Tsitsipas aims to keep up the celebration for his challenging yet rewarding return to the court. For fans and analysts alike, the tension continues to build around Tsitsipas as he prepares for the next leg of his Dubai campaign. The tennis circuit is now watching closely as champions and challengers collide on this hard court turf.