Stefanos Tsitsipas had a wonderful week at the ATP 250 Open 13 Provence. He successfully defended his title from 12 months ago, without dropping a set once again. The Greek beat Canadian teenager Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 6-4.
The trophy is earned in the hours that no one is watching. Thats what makes it so special. Thank you Marseille! @open13 | #o13provence pic.twitter.com/1d1yxRnEIk
— Stefanos Tsitsipas (@StefTsitsipas) February 23, 2020
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Tsitsipas finished the 2019 season in the best possible manner. He won the ATP World Tour Finals, announcing himself as a serious threat to the bigwigs. His breakthrough season was complete with that title.
The first man to retain the @Open13 since Thomas Enqvist in 1998 🏆@StefTsitsipas pic.twitter.com/tBO1UXQXww
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 23, 2020
However, the Greek hasn’t had the best start to the new season. A Round of 16 loss to Milos Raonic at Australian Open was followed by a second round defeat to Aljaz Bedene at Rotterdam Open.
But with the successful defense of his title at the Open 13 Provence, he can gather momentum as he heads into the ATP Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship.
Stefanos Tsitsipas speaks highly of Felix
Stefanos played a very controlled-aggressive game throughout the match, easing past his opponent. At times, he simply let Felix play himself into trouble as well. He was patient whenever he needed to be.
Perhaps Auger-Aliassime had something to do with it. This win marked his second against the Canadian. Tsitsipas had to endure for a while before getting his first victory over Felix.
Having lost both of their first two meetings, Stefanos was frustrated. Frustrated, because he could not beat this other young gun rising through the ranks. He did eventually, at the 2019 Shanghai Masters. And now, he has leveled their rivalry at 2-2.
After the match, Tsitsipas sat down to talk about his week in Marseille. Here’s what he had to say about Felix Auger-Aliassime.
“Felix is a guy who I’ve been following a lot the last couple of years. He has inspired me a lot to want to be better. I always find him difficult to play against.”
Tsitsipas also said that he always found him difficult to play, also adding that they are very close in terms of their quality and level of tennis.
“It helps me, I don’t know if it helps him, but it helps me want to work more and do better than him.”
This sure is a rivalry we are going to enjoy in the years to come.
Stefanos Tsitsipas will next feature in the Dubai Open, starting February 24.
