"This is 1st event I ever attended, not in a million years would I have thought I’d be in position I am today" - Stefanos Tsitsipas recalls visiting Monte-Carlo with his mother 

Stefanos Tsitsipas became the sixth man in the Open Era to defend his title at the Monte-Carlo Masters, defeating Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the final in straight sets.

The victory secured the Greek's eighth ATP title and his second Masters 1000 crown, both of them coming in Monte-Carlo. As it turns out, the World No. 5's history with the tournament goes further back, all the way to his childhood.

When he was six years old, Tsitsipas traveled to the Principality along with his mother to attend his first ever tennis event as a spectator.

Reflecting on the memories at the presentation ceremony after vanquishing Davidovich Fokina, the 23-year-old remarked that he did not expect "in a million years" to be standing as a two-time defending champion on the same ground.

"[Monte-Carlo] is the first event I ever attended as a six-year-old kid. Not in a million years would I have thought I’d be in the position I am today, it is remarkable," Tsitsipas said. "I’d like to thank my team for helping me work towards my dreams – our dreams - together.”

In addition to thanking his team, Stefanos Tsitsipas was grateful to the crowd for the warm reception they gave him throughout the week. The former World No. 3 revealed that he considered the Monte-Carlo Masters the most "special" event of his career and that it will always have a "special place" in his heart.

"This has been an incredible event," Tsitsipas said. "I had the chance to win it last year – of course without a crowd – so I can say, I don't think I've ever experienced a more special event in my career so far. It holds a special place in my heart."

Stefanos Tsitsipas shifts his focus to Barcelona

Stefanos Tsitsipas will look to win his first title in Barcelona this week

Following his title defense at Monte-Carlo, Stefanos Tsitsipas will shift his focus to the Barcelona Open. As the top seed, the Greek received a bye in the first round and will take on either Pedro Martinez or Ilya Ivashka in the second round.

The World No. 5 has finished as the runner-up twice in the tournament before, losing to 12-time winner Rafael Nadal in the final in 2018 and 2021. The 23-year-old is projected to face Grigor Dimitrov, Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud over the course of the tournament.

While Tsitsipas has won two Masters 1000 titles, he's yet to win an ATP 500 event despite making eight finals at the level.

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