Tsitsipas defends Monte-Carlo Masters title with victory over Davidovich Fokina

By Jack Bantock, CNN

Updated 1625 GMT (0025 HKT) April 17, 2022

Stefanos Tsitsipas kisses his trophy after winning the Monte-Carlo Masters final against Spain's Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

(CNN)Stefanos Tsitsipas secured back-to-back Monte-Carlo Masters titles after defeating Spain's Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in Monaco on Sunday.

The Greek world No. 5 triumphed 6-3 7-6(3) to claim his second ATP Masters 1000 crown despite a valiant performance from the Spaniard, ranked 41 places lower.In doing so, Tsitsipas joins an esteemed group of five players to have defended the Monte-Carlo title: Rafael Nadal, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Thomas Muster, Björn Borg and Ilie Năstase.Seeded third heading into the tournament, the 23-year-old saw off rival and second seed Alexander Zverev on Saturday to reach the final.His eighth career singles title, Tsitsipas will hope to use victory in his favorite stomping ground as a springboard to leapfrog the German's world No. 3 ranking.Read MoreHaving played to empty seats last year as a result of the pandemic, Tsitsipas relished the opportunity to win in front of fans at the first event he ever attended as a six-year-old.Tsitsipas is one of six men to defend the Monte-Carlo Masters title.«This has been an incredible event,» Tsitsipas said on court as he was presented with the trophy.«I had the chance to win it last year without a crowd and I can say, for this one, I don't think I have experienced a more special event so far in my career. »This place holds a special event in my heart."Stefanos Tsitsipas advances to Australian Open fourth round — but didn't realize he'd wonThe deal was sweetened by the presence of a Greek contingent in the stands, who Tsitsipas singled out in his acceptance speech.«I