Stefanos Tsitsipas finally broke his ATP 500 jinx at the Dubai Tennis Championships, and even Novak Djokovic couldn’t resist a playful jab at the Greek star’s expense. After Tsitsipas defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime in straight sets, Djokovic took to social media with a light-hearted message acknowledging the victory and poking fun at Tsitsipas’ previous struggles in ATP 500 finals.
Tsitsipas Ends ATP 500 Drought in Dubai
Stefanos Tsitsipas entered the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships with a less-than-stellar 3-4 record for the 2025 season. However, the Greek player found his form in Dubai, battling through tough matches to reach the final.
Victory Over Auger-Aliassime
In the final, Tsitsipas faced a formidable opponent in Felix Auger-Aliassime. Tsitsipas secured a 6-3, 6-3 victory in an hour and 28 minutes. This win marked Tsitsipas’ first title of 2025 and his 12th ATP title overall.
Djokovic’s Playful Banter
Following Tsitsipas’ victory, Novak Djokovic posted a message on his Instagram account that quickly gained attention. Djokovic wrote, “No one beats Stefanos Tsitsipas 12 times in a row on 500 tour level,” accompanied by a photo of Tsitsipas holding his trophy and a laughing emoji.
A Nod to Past Struggles
Djokovic’s comment referenced Tsitsipas’ previous difficulties in ATP 500 finals. Before his Dubai win, Tsitsipas had lost all 11 of his previous ATP 500 finals appearances, including two in Dubai (2019 and 2020).
History Between Djokovic and Tsitsipas in Dubai
Djokovic himself defeated Tsitsipas in the 2020 Dubai final, which was Djokovic’s fifth and most recent Dubai trophy. Djokovic’s recent comment adds a layer of humor to their history.
Tsitsipas’ Reaction and Return to Top 10
Tsitsipas seemed to take Djokovic’s teasing in good spirits. The Dubai title marked a significant achievement for Tsitsipas, who had been seeking an ATP 500 title for years.
Relief and Accomplishment
Tsitsipas expressed his relief after the win, saying, “It’s a big relief that I’m able to hold that trophy after the third attempt. It’s something that I had in the back of my mind, and I’m happy to say I accomplished it.”
Back in the Top 10
The victory also propelled Tsitsipas back into the top 10 of the ATP world rankings, moving from 11th to 9th. He later posted a message on Instagram celebrating his win with the caption: “They said my game was sinking… so I got myself a boat,” alongside a photo of him holding the Dubai ATP 500 trophy, which is shaped like a boat.
Match Details: Tsitsipas vs. Auger-Aliassime
Tsitsipas’ dominance in the final against Auger-Aliassime was evident in several key statistics.
Key Stats
- Tsitsipas won 12 more points than Auger-Aliassime.
- He saved all seven break points he faced.
- Tsitsipas built a 23-15 advantage in service winners.
Auger-Aliassime’s Perspective
Despite the loss, Auger-Aliassime remained positive. “There’s two players in the finals. 32 at the start of the week. If Tsitsipas is the happiest guy tonight, maybe I’m the second happiest of the week. I take positive things,” said Auger-Aliassime.
Looking Ahead
Tsitsipas’ Dubai victory could signal a resurgence for the Greek player. His ability to overcome his ATP 500 final struggles may give him the confidence to compete for even bigger titles in the future. Djokovic, while offering a playful jab, likely recognizes the potential threat that a confident and successful Tsitsipas poses on the tour.
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