Defending champion Tsitsipas rallies past Thompson to reach Monte-Carlo last 16

Stefanos Tsitsipas made a successful start to his Monte-Carlo campaign. The three-time tournament winner and reigning champion has much to lose in the Principality this year. For his opening match, the world No. 8 faced Jordan Thompson, who defeated Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the first round (6-4, 6-3).

In a tournament he cherishes—where he has won all three of his Masters 1000 titles—Tsitsipas struggled to find his rhythm early on. Pressured by a strong Thompson, the 2021 Roland-Garros finalist was broken midway through the first set, allowing the Australian to take the lead.

But Tsitsipas refused to relent. Despite his opponent’s determined resistance, the Greek eventually found a way to turn the match around. Serving to level the match at one set apiece, the 2019 ATP Finals champion was broken back by Thompson. Unshaken, Tsitsipas immediately reclaimed the break to even the score.

Physically, Stefanos Tsitsipas gained the upper hand and dominated the decisive set. For the fourth time in five meetings, the Greek emerged victorious (4-6, 6-4, 6-2). In the last 16, he will face either Pedro Martinez or Nuno Borges, the latter having benefited from Holger Rune’s earlier retirement.