Jannik Sinner 'one of the favourites during the entire clay court swing' says Stefanos Tsitsipas, calls him 'world class'

Stefanos Tsitsipas expressed that Jannik Sinner is one of the favorites in the clay swing, after handing him his second defeat of the season in the semifinals of the Monte-Carlo Masters. The Greek subsequently clinched his third title in Monaco.

The 2-times Grand Slam finalist surprised in the semifinals by overcoming the Italian, who had been virtually unbeatable with a record of 25-1 in 2024 and three titles. Tsitsipas claimed victory by 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 and joins Carlos Alcaraz, who defeated Sinner in the semifinals of Indian Wells.

After the title, Tsitsipas was asked if he believes Sinner is capable of winning the upcoming challenges on clay at the Rome Open and French Open: "He is a very good tennis player on all surfaces. I think he has the game to play well everywhere," he said.

The world No. 2 hadn't shown significant results on clay until now, considering that only one of his 13 titles was on clay at the 2022 Umag Open, where he defeated Alcaraz in the final. Tsitsipas emphasized that Sinner has significantly elevated his level on this surface.

“The last time that we played that was here, I see his level in a much different level than the last times that I think I played him in Rome, twice in Rome, actually, on clay. I wouldn’t count the hard courts because these are different, but I’m only comparing against a particular surface.

“So since the last two times that we played each other in those instances, he’s much better player now than he was back then. And I saw it the other day, he was pushing me to my limits, and I had to reach a level of physicality that I haven’t felt myself before in a long time.

“It was very small margins that played an important role in the development of that match. I do believe he’s one of the favourites during the entire clay court swing.”

The Greek Lightning has three Masters 1000 titles so far, all on clay. Tsitsipas, who defeated Casper Ruud 6-1, 6-4 in the tournament final, expressed that his level of play throughout the week in Monte-Carlo surpassed the titles he won in 2021 and 2022: "If I have to compare my level of tennis with the last two times that I have won here, I would probably say this time has been the best that I have come up with some incredible tennis," he said.

“You can easily say, ‘Stef, you won the first time here without dropping a set, wouldn’t that be the best performance that you have had in Monte-Carlo?’ I would tell you, ‘Not exactly’,” the former world No. 3 added.

“I had an opponent in the semi-finals that is a world-class tennis player right now who refused to lose to anyone, and he’s been on a very good streak. So overcoming that obstacle, it’s definitely a sign that my tennis is progressing and I’m able to push those players,” he concluded.