Sinner suffers rare loss as Tsitsipas reaches Monte Carlo final

Stefanos Tsitsipas moved to within one win of a third title at the Monte Carlo Masters on Saturday as he outlasted Jannik Sinner 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 in a tight semi-final.

The 12th-ranked Greek who was formerly a Top 10 regular, spent nearly two and three-quarter hours in holding off the world No. 2 who had won his previous  nine matches.

Tsitsipas won back-to back trophies in the principality in 2021-22 and came into the week with titles this season at the Australian Open, Rotterdam and Miami.

The Italian was treated twice in the final set for a right knee problem; he began the set by breaking Tsitsipas, but lost it for 4-4 after saving four break points .

Tsitsipas said the victory was one of the best of his career.

“Today was a great day, I’m hoping for a good recovery and a fresh mind for the final. I hope to come out extra strong tomorrow.

“Jannik is one of the toughest I’ve faced this season; I had to overcome obstacles and find a way to win.

“I’m extremely proud of that. The way I managed the situation was pure excellence.”