Resurgent Stefanos Tsitsipas one win away from top 10 return in Dubai

The Greek defeated Tallon Griekspoor 6-4, 6-4 in the semifinals of the ATP 500 event in Dubai, reaching his first final since Barcelona 2024.

Tsitsipas has previously reached the final in 2019 and 2020, and now has a 14-4 record at the event.

The former World No 3 started the week ranked as the world No 11, possessing 3005 ranking points â- with the run to the showpiece match gaining him 230 points.

A victory in the final would gain him a further 270 points, and push him above Tommy Paul and Alex de Minaur â- re-entering the top 10 as the world No 9 on Monday.

"I feel extremely happy that I was able to avoid the drama today, and play good tennis from the beginning until the end," stated Tsitsipas.

"It felt good. I was doing a great job from the baseline and I felt that my focus levels were at their highest so far, from any match I've played this week.

"I'm trying to take the best out of every match. Every match has a new teaching, something new to offer me in terms of experience and knowledge, I'm trying to soak it all in and use that wisdom effectively."

The two-time Grand Slam finalist has also been observed to be playing with a blacked-out racket, stencilled with his usual Wilson logo â- his usual racket is the Wilson Blade 98 18/20.

When asked about his seemingly new racket, the Greek stated: "I think it's obvious that in recent months there have been changes on the ATP Tour.

"The players have talked about it a lot. There are players in the Top 10 who have talked about these balls becoming slower and slower, and I'm trying to adapt to that and take advantage of it.

"I've had to deal with slow conditions over the last few months and I'm trying to change that uncomfortable feeling I've had recently."

The Greek had a slow start to the season, falling in the opening-round of the 2025 Australian Open to Alex Michelsen.

In the final, Tsitsipas will face Felix Auger-Aliassime, who defeated Quentin Halys in three sets in the last four.

The Canadian has beaten the Greek on three occasions, but it is the two-time Grand Slam finalist who leads the head-to-head, winning six of their nine matches.

Overall, Tsitsipas has a 0-11 record in ATP 500 finals.

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