Tsitsipas: "A tennis match is a battle of adjustments, comparable to a game of chess"

Stefanos Tsitsipas takes on Casper Ruud this Sunday in the Barcelona final. Already victorious over the Norwegian in last week's final in Monte Carlo (6-1, 6-4), the Greek is hoping to repeat his performance with the same result.

Stefanos Tsitsipas: "I've had previous experience in finals here (2018, 2021, 2023), so that will help me. As will the level I've been able to deliver on court over the last few days. To have confidence in the process...

I've got an opponent who's as hungry as I am. I hope it'll be a good battle and that I'll be able to fight the way I did against him a few days ago (in Monte-Carlo). I'll try to use all my shots to make the match as physical as possible, and I think he'll do the same.

Finals are great days in tennis. They're special days. In any sport, it's very exciting to take part in a final. It's an incredible feeling. I try to face it with humility, remembering my journey to get there. It's a great opportunity.

I'm trying to understand what worked in my last few matches so that I can play the same way. Then, as the match progresses, you try to make adjustments. Your opponent does the same. It's a battle of adjustments, trying to become aware of the ways in which you can dominate and win the points. It's possible to compare it to a game of chess."