The trademark forehand is firing again, and Stefanos Tsitsipas finally has something meaningful to show for it.
Tsitsipas reached his first final of 2026 by defeating Aleksandr Shevchenko 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in a demanding semifinal at the Swiss Open in Gstaad. The Greek completed the victory in 1 hour and 53 minutes, leaning heavily on the shot that once made him one of the most dangerous clay-court players in the world.
Now ranked No. 85 after a steep fall from the elite level, the former World No. 3 struck 20 winners from his forehand wing. Thirteen came in the deciding set, when the match was balanced and Shevchenko was still pressing him from the baseline.
Tsitsipas will face Raphael Collignon in the final. The Belgian saved a match point before overcoming Juan Manuel Cerundolo 1-6, 7-6(5), 7-5 to reach his first ATP title match.
Tsitsipas Finds His Range When It Matters
Tsitsipas controlled the opening set with first-strike tennis, using his serve to create short replies before attacking with his forehand. Shevchenko changed the match in the second by finding greater depth and directing more traffic toward the Greek player’s backhand.
That pressure pushed Tsitsipas farther behind the baseline and reduced his chances to dictate. Shevchenko took advantage, disrupting the court positioning that had allowed Tsitsipas to play on the front foot earlier in the match.
The response in the final set was clear. Tsitsipas moved closer to the baseline, stepped around his backhand whenever possible and attacked both corners. By changing direction early, he stopped Shevchenko from settling into safe cross-court exchanges.
Gstaad’s altitude also gave Tsitsipas more reward for clean contact. The tournament is staged more than 1,000 metres above sea level, where the ball travels faster through the air. That suited his serve and added pace to his heavy forehand after the bounce. Tsitsipas acknowledged the advantage, saying, “The altitude helps my weapons a bit more.”
Those weapons decided the semifinal. Tsitsipas forced the crucial breakthrough at 4-3 by driving a forehand winner down the line to earn two break points. Shevchenko saved the first but then double-faulted, handing Tsitsipas the opportunity to serve for the match.
There was no hesitation at the finish. Tsitsipas closed the contest with consecutive forehand strikes into opposite corners, ending the final game with the same shot that had carried him through the deciding set.
A Final After a Long Rankings Fall
The victory carries more weight because of how far Tsitsipas has fallen.
He spent years inside the sport’s leading group, reached two Grand Slam finals and climbed as high as No. 3 in the rankings. His current position at No. 85 reflects a season marked by poor form, early defeats and a loss of the consistency that once made him a regular contender at major tournaments.
Gstaad has not been a simple return to form. Tsitsipas did not cruise through the draw or overwhelm every opponent. He has repeatedly found himself in difficult matches and had to solve problems under pressure.
After beating Ignacio Buse in straight sets, he survived a tense encounter with Swiss wild card Jerome Kym. Tsitsipas lost the second set before escaping 6-4, 6-7(2), 7-6(5). He then needed another three sets to defeat Arthur Rinderknech in the quarterfinals.
Those matches tested more than his technique. Tsitsipas had to recover from missed chances, manage long rallies and remain composed when his level dropped. Against Shevchenko, he again responded after losing the second set rather than allowing the match to drift away.
For a player sliding down the rankings, this week has not only been about collecting points. It has shown that his serve and forehand can still control matches on clay when his positioning and confidence hold together.
Collignon Brings Momentum Into First Meeting
Collignon presents a different challenge in the final. The Belgian has built his run on resilience, surviving several difficult stretches and refusing to concede matches when placed under pressure.
His semifinal recovery was the strongest example. Cerundolo led 6-1, 5-3 and held match point, but Collignon extended the contest and took the second set in a tiebreak. He then recovered from 5-2 down in the third, winning five consecutive games to complete the comeback.
Tsitsipas owns the greater experience and the more proven attacking game. Collignon, however, enters without the weight of expectation and has already shown that he can absorb pressure deep into matches.
The tactical responsibility will remain with Tsitsipas. He must protect his backhand, control the first strike after his serve and create enough space to attack with his signature wing.
A title will not repair an entire season or immediately restore his former ranking. It would still provide the confidence and momentum he badly needs. After months spent moving in the wrong direction, Tsitsipas is now one victory away from turning a productive week into his first trophy of 2026.
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FAQs
How many forehand winners did Stefanos Tsitsipas hit?
Tsitsipas struck 20 forehand winners against Aleksandr Shevchenko. Thirteen came in the deciding set.
Who did Stefanos Tsitsipas beat in the Gstaad semifinal?
He defeated Aleksandr Shevchenko 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 to reach his first final of 2026.
Who will Tsitsipas play in the Gstaad final?
Tsitsipas will face Belgium’s Raphael Collignon. It will be their first competitive meeting.
Why does the altitude in Gstaad help Tsitsipas?
The ball travels faster through the thinner air. That gives Tsitsipas’s serve and heavy forehand more speed and penetration.
Is this Tsitsipas’s first ATP final of 2026?
Yes. His victory over Shevchenko secured his first ATP title match of the season.
