The Barcelona Open courts fell silent not just with the final point, but with the shattering of expectations. Did Casper Ruud take revenge from Stefanos Tsitsipas for the Monte-Carlo Masters? Norwegian third seed won against Greek fifth seed 7-5, 6-3 in the Barcelona Open final, winning maiden ATP 500 title. In an attempt to attack Tsitsipas’ tennis, Ruud seems to have attacked much more. After a heart-wrenching match, the World No. 7 has spoken out. “I’ve been a little flat for my liking.”

Despite a heartbreaking loss at the Conde de Godó final, the Greek star held a press conference marked by both vulnerability and determination. Tsitsipas confessed his vulnerability against his opponent on the court of Barcelona’s final, “Today I didn’t have the mental capacity to fight, Casper was much fresher”. However, he also revealed a deep desire to conquer Barcelona in the future, a testament to his unyielding spirit.

“I haven’t been playing my best tennis this week in Barcelona, even if I could reach the final.” Tsitsipas felt the same way about his quarterfinal clash against Facundo Diaz Acosta, “I felt like in the quarterfinals I was literally one point away from losing and throughout the week I didn’t feel like my shots had the same effect as they did in Monte Carlo and that’s something I worried a lot about.”

The Greek player further said he has not managed to put a spin on the ball, “Knowing that I need those kinds of hits to create some dangerous situations for my opponents… I’ve been a little flat for my liking.” Tsitsipas struggled with form but still managed to reach the final. He further elaborated on the aspects of his game he felt contributed to his loss in the final.

Already finding difficulty in playing his best, the former number 3 found it difficult to make significant shots. “The ball did not penetrate through the court, but seemed to get stuck in the same place all the time. I wasn’t able to squander the best tennis, but I kept fighting and still made it happen.” 

Ahead of the Barcelona Open final, Stefanos Tsitsipas revealed his expectations from the match and how his opponent would come with fresh plans and adjustments. “I’m sure having played someone a few days apart, for sure they’re gonna come up with new plans and new adjustments. The opponent is trying to get as good as he can for the next one.”

With this feat, Ruud won his first final on the Catalonian clay, while Tsitsipas went home as the runner-up for the fourth time in Barcelona. Although the Monte-Carlo Masters showed a revived Tsitsipas, he couldn’t manage to pull ahead in the final. As he sat down for the presser after his defeat, the Greek player praised his opponent along with pledge to win the Barcelona in the future.

Mentally exhausted Tsitsipas praises Ruud, vows Barcelona redemption

Reaching the final four times and never managing to win the title would make anyone demotivated. However, Tsitsipas is determined to find glory in the city of Counts. “Being in the final is incredible, one day I will win it. I’m happy to have found a way to be here.”

The World N0. 7 took time to praise his opponent’s “better tennis” that led him to the victory. “I don’t think I had the mental capacity to fight today, even if I wanted to try hard. Casper was too good today, he was fresher in mind, with better tennis and he deserves the victory.”

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He gave due praise to Ruud and will now focus his efforts on the upcoming Madrid Open, aiming to recreate and improve upon his final run from 2019. Will he be able to show the same class he has shown in the last two weeks?