Stefanos Tsitsipas overcomes early scare to begin Monte-Carlo Masters title defence

Greek star fights back to beat Jordan Thompson in three sets and keep hopes alive.

Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas returns a shot to Australia's Jordan Thompson during their round of 32 match at the Monte Carlo ATP Masters Series on the Rainier III court at the Monte Carlo Country Club in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin on April 8, 2025. Photo by Valery Hache/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Stefanos Tsitsipas overcomes early scare to begin Monte-Carlo Masters title defence, digging deep to recover from a set down and defeat Jordan Thompson 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 on Tuesday local time. With the weight of defending his ATP Masters 1000 crown on the iconic clay courts of Monaco, Tsitsipas admitted post-match that he entered the contest with uncertainty about what to expect.

"I didn't really know what to expect, we didn't know what our opponent was capable of," the Greek world number 12 said, as quoted by the ATP on Wednesday. "I was just trying to find something to bring back the consistency in my game."

The match opened with a surprise, as Thompson, ranked 38th in the world, controlled the rhythm early. Using a precise serve and fearless baseline shots, the Australian managed to rattle Tsitsipas and claim the opening set. Tsitsipas, who is known for his elegant footwork and variety on clay, looked out of rhythm. But champions know how to reset—and Tsitsipas did just that.

Finding his rhythm under pressure

Down 4-5 in the second set, Tsitsipas knew he had to change something. Thompson had the momentum, and the defending champion was on the ropes. But instead of panicking, Tsitsipas adjusted his approach. He stepped closer to the baseline, committed to more aggressive returns, and began dictating the rallies. The result was a powerful seven-game stretch that saw him turn the match in his favor.

The shift was also mental. Tsitsipas, who has developed a reputation for resilience on clay, calmed his nerves and played with clarity. “I tried to work on my serve,” he explained. “Once my serve felt more consistent, I tried to focus on my returns.”

That combination allowed him to regain control, eventually breaking Thompson twice in the final set. The Australian contributed to his own downfall by missing a string of crucial smashes, including one that handed Tsitsipas a decisive break at a key moment.

From there, the Greek star didn’t look back. His confidence grew with each point, and the crowd at Court Rainier III responded in kind. By the time the match ended, Tsitsipas looked more like the three-time Monte-Carlo champion fans had come to expect.

A strong record in the Principality

With Tuesday’s win, Tsitsipas improved his Monte-Carlo Masters record to an impressive 21-3. In fact, he has reached the final in three of the last four editions of the tournament, claiming the title in 2021, 2022, and 2023. That consistency has made him the second most successful player in the event’s history behind Rafael Nadal, who has won a staggering 11 times.

Now in search of a fourth title, Tsitsipas isn’t getting ahead of himself. His next opponent will be either Portugal’s Nuno Borges or Spain’s Pedro Martinez—both capable players, especially on clay. Still, with momentum swinging his way and a supportive crowd behind him, Tsitsipas looks ready to make another deep run in Monte Carlo.

What separates Tsitsipas from many of his contemporaries is not just his fluid style or versatility on clay—it’s his ability to manage moments of pressure. Against Thompson, he didn’t start perfectly, but he finished with conviction. That, more than anything, is the hallmark of a champion.

Tactical changes made the difference

One of the keys to Tsitsipas’ turnaround was a subtle but significant tactical shift. In the first set, he played passively, letting Thompson dictate with his forehand. But in the second and third sets, Tsitsipas changed that. He played closer to the baseline, took the ball earlier, and attacked second serves. His footwork became sharper, his shot selection smarter.

These changes made a clear difference. In the final set alone, he broke Thompson’s serve twice and won nearly 75% of points on return. On his own serve, he dropped just a handful of points—an impressive feat considering how shaky it looked earlier.

The third set also revealed something else: Tsitsipas’ renewed belief. Every fist pump, every confident stride back to the baseline, showed a player determined to defend his title. And while he still has a long way to go in the tournament, this win could serve as the turning point in his season.

Thompson's efforts fall short

To Thompson’s credit, he did not make it easy. The Australian played inspired tennis in the first set, using a well-placed serve and aggressive net approaches to put Tsitsipas under pressure. For long stretches, he looked like the better player.

But the game can be cruel. A few missed smashes, a dip in first-serve percentage, and Tsitsipas was back in control. In the press area, Thompson acknowledged his mistakes, particularly the errors that cost him at key moments. “You can’t give a player like Stefanos second chances,” he said. “He knows how to take them.”

Still, Thompson’s performance showed that he can be dangerous on clay. If he can maintain that level of aggression and cut down on the unforced errors, he could be a threat in upcoming tournaments like Madrid and Rome.

The road ahead for Tsitsipas

Next up for Stefanos Tsitsipas is the third round, where he will face either Nuno Borges or Pedro Martinez. Both are skilled clay-court players, and neither will be an easy opponent. But Tsitsipas will take confidence from how he turned things around in the opening match.

The Monte-Carlo Masters has become something of a sanctuary for the Greek star. His relaxed demeanor around the grounds, his comfort on clay, and the support from fans in the stands create a perfect setting for success. That familiarity may be exactly what he needs right now, especially in a season where confidence has fluctuated.

Tsitsipas has spoken in the past about the importance of rhythm and confidence in his game. With one win under his belt—and a comeback win at that—he may have just found the rhythm he’s been searching for.

If Tuesday’s performance is any indication, Stefanos Tsitsipas overcomes early scare to begin Monte-Carlo Masters title defence in style. And he’s not done yet.