Stefanos Tsitsipas, the renowned Greek tennis player, made a triumphant return to form at the ATP 500 Dubai event this week. After a dismal start to 2025, with a record of 3-4 in the first four tournaments, Tsitsipas found his groove once again, besting five adversaries to clinch his first ATP trophy in nearly a year.
Breaking a daunting pattern, Tsitsipas conquered his first ATP 500 title after being the runner-up in the previous 11 finals. This feat drew the attention of none other than Serbian tennis giant, Novak Djokovic, who acknowledged Tsitsipas’ accomplishment with light-hearted banter. Djokovic humorously stated that nobody can defeat Tsitsipas 12 times in a row at the ATP 500 level.
Rewinding to the 2020 Dubai final, Djokovic had managed to defeat Tsitsipas in straight sets, bagging his fifth and latest Dubai trophy. However, this week, Tsitsipas turned the tables, showcasing his resilience and tenacity.
The Greek sensation had been struggling to find victory at this level for years, but his luck turned a corner in his third appearance at the Dubai Open final. As the 4th seed, Tsitsipas defeated Lorenzo Sonego, Karen Khachanov, Matteo Berrettini, and Tallon Griekspoor, ultimately claiming his 12th ATP 500 title.
In the final, Tsitsipas faced off against world number 11, Felix Auger-Aliassime. He secured a decisive 6-3, 6-3 victory in a gripping match that lasted for an hour and 28 minutes. This marked Tsitsipas’ 12th ATP title, and his seventh win against Felix out of ten matches, with only one loss to the Canadian in their last eight encounters.
The match saw Tsitsipas showcase his dominance, scoring 12 points more than his opponent. The Greek denied all seven break points and capitalized on critical moments to outplay Felix. Despite this being Felix’s third final of the season, he was unable to clinch the title.
Tsitsipas demonstrated his prowess in service winners, establishing a 23-15 lead, and commanding the game from the baseline and at the net. Despite facing two break points in the fourth game, Tsitsipas managed to save them with winners.
Tsitsipas continued to exert his dominance in the second set, denying break chances at 1-1 and maintaining his initial shot intact. The world number 11 found himself in a tough spot, struggling to win the seventh game. However, Tsitsipas weathered the storm, saving a break point and closing the game with a forehand crosscourt winner, giving him a 4-3 lead.
The Canadian player found himself trailing after a forehand error in the eighth game. With a set and break behind, he was in a difficult position. Tsitsipas, however, didn’t waiver, serving for the title at 5-3 and securing three match points following his opponent’s backhand error.
Tsitsipas sealed the victory with an ace on the first match point, marking his first ATP 500 title and catapulting him back into the top-10 rankings. This victory serves as a testament to Tsitsipas’ resilience and a reminder of his formidable presence in the ATP circuit.