Stefanos Tsitsipas gets season back on track by beating Mikhail Kukushkin to Marseille title
Stefanos Tsitsipas has claimed his first title of the season, defeating Mikhail Kukushkin 7-5, 7-6 (7-5) to win the Open 13 in Marseille.
The 20-year-old and current NextGen champion will now climb to a career-best ranking of 11.
The win represents a welcome return to form for Tsitsipas, who impressed at the Australian Open but has struggled since.
Speaking after the match, he admitted this was a win he needed to regain his rhythm.
“I lost the spark [after the Australian Open] and I was frustrated because it felt like I couldn’t find it again,” said Tsitsipas.
“This week, I can say I am really happy because I felt this hunger back again.
“I really hope it stays the same because there are many good players out there that play for the same prize.
“Winning titles is the thing that I am working for. It is the biggest satisfaction and the biggest joy in tennis.
“[I have] satisfaction. There was a lot of stress this week because I knew I had to face some good opponents.
“When you care a lot, you tend to be more stressed than usual. I am happy that I got through that stress and played the game that I was supposed to play,”
More from Tennis365:
-
-
Exclusive: Fed Cup stars could inspire rise of British women’s tennis, says Jeremy Bates
-
-
Who is most likely to take a 2019 men’s Grand Slam from Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer?
-
Roger Federer the doubles player: Did you know he won a ‘bizarre’ title with Marat Safin?
-
QUIZ! Test your knowledge on the ATP Tour’s ace record-holders
-
Latest
-
ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz forced to accept brutal reality as he slumps to shock Miami Open defeat
Carlos Alcaraz could have no complaints as he was forced to accept the brutal reality that he was beaten by a better player.
-
Tennis News
Alexander Zverev just happy to be back competing against the best
Alexander Zverev has said that he savours being competitive in big tournaments.
-
Tennis News
WTA star announces that she is expecting a baby girl
Alison Riske-Amritraj will be having a daughter.
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner breaks new ground for an Italian player with $20 million milestone
Jannik Sinner will become the first Italian player to bank $20 million in ATP Tour prize money after the Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz identifies key Grigor Dimitrov threat as he seeks revenge in Miami showdown
Carlos Alcaraz and Grigor Dimitrov have looked ahead to their Miami Open match.
-
WTA Tour
Charleston Open hand former No 1 wildcard to start her clay season
Wildcards were forthcoming for former world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki, world No 13 Beatriz Haddad Maia, and Charleston-native Shelby Rogers.
-
Tennis News
Former world No 1 weighs in on Iga Swiatek’s ‘aura’ as he makes ‘intimidating’ claim
“The more accomplishments Iga Swiatek has, the more intimidating it is to play her.”
-
WTA Tour
Naomi Osaka’s clay swing fills out with Rouen wildcard
Naomi Osaka gets Rouen wildcard to kickstart her clay swing.
-
WTA Tour
Danielle Collins balks at being asked to explain retirement
Danielle Collins has responded to those who question why she has decided to retire from tennis at the end of the current season.
-
Tennis News
‘Novak Djokovic’s problem is psychological’, assesses Roger Federer’s former coach
“Undoubtedly, ‘Nole’ must have fire inside, otherwise he is missing something.”