Tsitsipas reaches No. 1 ATP Ranking: Ends nearly 20 year drought for Greek tennis
After much struggle and anticipation Stefanos Tsitsipas has reached the number 1 spot of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Rankings. The 22-year-old Greek tennis sensation rose to the No.1 spot after beating Álvaro Adolfo Obregón in Monte-Carlo Masters.
Tsitsipas is the first Greek player to achieve such great heights in the ATP Rankings since 1902 when Panagiotis Grigoriou took the 4th place. His achievement breaks a nearly 20 year long drought for Greek tennis.
The Greek superstar had an exemplary 2020, winning his first career championship in Marseille, France and reaching the semifinals of the French Open and the finals of the US Open.
Tsitsipas proved himself again during the Monte-Carlo Masters, overcoming tough resistance from Álvaro Obregón. Tsitsipas had to battle a determined Obregón, who saved four match points while also fighting off matchpoint commands. In the end, it was Tsitsipas who prevailed in a thrilling 6-7, 7-6, 7-5 victory.
Tsitsipas recently expressed his joy at his newfound No. 1 ATP ranking in an Instagram post, writing “What a feeling. I’m speechless. I put in so much hard work and dedication to get here and I’m extremely proud of this moment”.
With his achievements and accomplishments,Tsitsipas has inspired generation of Greeks to take up the sport and achieve similar excellence.