Stefanos Tsitsipas suffered his first defeat in 11 matches on clay this season in the final of the Barcelona Open on Sunday, at the hands of Casper Rudd.
The Greek champion appeared tired after a triumphant week in Monte Carlo and demanding matches in Barcelona as the Norwegian prevailed 7-5, 6-3 to avenge last Sunday’s defeat in the Monaco final.
Despite his 11th defeat in an ATP 500 series final tournament (0-11) and his 4th in a final in Barcelona (0-4), Stefanos Tsitsipas leaves the capital of Catalonia with positive feelings, knowing that he did his best and with whatever strength he had left, in the final against Rude.
“I’m just happy that I managed to find a way to be in the final today. Today, I felt that I lacked the necessary mental clarity. Kasper had a fresher mind, played better tennis and deserved to win,” said Tsitsipas, who was coming off two straight upsets in the quarterfinals and semifinals against Diaz Acosta and Lajovic respectively.
“I didn’t play my best tennis this week in Barcelona but I managed to find a way to play in the final. This week I didn’t feel my strokes like in Monte Carlo. However, I kept fighting and I succeeded. Being in the final was fantastic,” he added.
Now, Tsitsipas will compete for the third week in a row on the tour, taking part in the second clay ATP 1000 of the year, in Madrid.
The Mutua Madrid Open starts on Wednesday and Stefanos will have a few days to rest and prepare as his duties start on Friday (26/04).
The No. 7 in the world ranking will find out his potential opponents in the draw that will take place on Monday afternoon.
BARCELONA OPEN SINGLES DRAW | DOUBLES DRAW
