Greece’s tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed that he is expecting a tougher match against Norway’s Casper Ruud in the final of the Barcelona Open. The two players recently faced off in the final of the Monte-Carlo Masters where the 26-year-old came out on top in straight sets with a score of 6-1, 6-4. They are now set to face off once again in the final of the Barcelona Open on Sunday. Ahead of the contest, Tsitsipas was quoted in a report where he stated that he expects a tougher final than the one they had in the Monte-Carlo Masters.
“I’m sure having played someone a few days apart, for sure they’re gonna come up with new plans and new adjustments,” he said. “I’m expecting a much better version of what I had in Monte Carlo. We had a good match there. Of course, these kind of matches are tricky. Playing back to back. You try to see what works best for you. The opponent is trying to get as good as he can for the next one. I’m gonna try to work, starting by having a good recovery. Working tomorrow for the big day I’m being faced with.”
Tsitsipas booked his place in the final of the mega-event after beating Serbia’s Dusan Lajovic in the semifinal with a score of 5-7, 6-4, 6-2. On the other hand, Ruud outclassed Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the semis with a score of 7-6, 6-4.
3 - Since 1990, only three pairs will have now met in ATP Masters 1000 and ATP 500 finals in consecutive weeks: Patrick Rafter-Gustavo Kuerten (2001) Rafael Nadal-David Ferrer (2011) Stefanos Tsitsipas-Casper Ruud (2024) 🆕 Rematch. #BCNOpenBS | @bcnopenbs @atptour
