"I have to show up with good mentality" - Tsitsipas on key to reaching the semifinal

Stefanos Tsitsipas’ title defence at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters continued to gather pace Thursday when the Greek overcame Laslo Djere 7-5, 7-6(1) to reach the quarter-finals.

The World No. 5 did not drop a set en route to his first ATP Masters 1000 title at the clay-court event in 2021 and has been in ruthless form once again this week, backing up his opening win against 2019 champion Fabio Fognini with a consistent display against Djere on Court Rainier III.

He said:

“I knew I had to be alert. He is someone who competes very well on clay. He stays consistent and puts a lot of balls back and I really had to work hard for this win. It was important to get a good dynamic start in the tie-break and stay in rallies and take my chances when they appeared.”

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Tsitsipas served well and remained patient throughout, waiting for his chances before raising his intensity in the crucial moments as he caused the Serbian damage with his heavy forehand to triumph after one hour and 52 minutes.

Asked about his opponent before he knw who it was, Tsitsipas said:

“Both [Schwartzman and Musetti] can compete well on clay. They both have a good game for clay courts and all I have to do is be ready and show up with good mentality and do my job with passion and dedication.”

He will face Diego Schwartzman for a place in teh semifinal. The Argentinian defeat him the last time they played.