‘Brought Me Down Psychologically’ – Stefanos Tsitsipas Recalls the Heartbreaking Phase Leading Up to Monte-Carlo Masters

Top Greek tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas has again breached the top 10 of the ATP rankings following his emphatic ATP Monte Carlo Open win! After an injury-riddled period and back-to-back lackluster performances that saw him exit the top 10 of the ATP rankings, his third title at the principality is a special one.

Understandably, the world saw an overwhelmingly emotional Tsitsipas on the court. The Greek talks to a media outlet following his win and opens up about his reaction with a heartfelt confession.

Stefanos Tsitsipas opens up about the struggles he endured

Talking to a Greek media outlet, SDNA, Tsitsipas explains his reasons for the emotional outburst. He points out that following his grievous back injury last season, where even the doctors didn’t expect him to be match-ready soon, it was no less than a miracle to be back on the court within two months. However, he was aware that stepping on the court so soon could exacerbate his injury.

“Even though the doctors thought it would take me longer, there was a chance I would lose the Australian summer. Somehow I found myself in a situation where I could play, but I knew it would affect me in the next events,” he says. But at the top level of sports, injuries don’t just physically affect a player.

“There were some situations that brought me down very psychologically and emotionally. There were times when I felt very bad, something I haven’t experienced on tour in recent years.” The psychological toll of not being able to perform is excruciating in sports. A career in sports has a comparatively shorter span, and such injuries painfully chip into that. Add to it the sense of competition, and the pressure increases exponentially.

Perhaps playing in the principality alleviates some pressure for the Greek, who, like many other top pros, is a resident of Monaco. Although the presence of his father and coach, Apostolos Tsitsipas, in the stands cheering him on must also have a calming effect on him.

‘He’s a dreamer,’ says Stefanos Tsitsipas’ father

Reiterating his faith in his son’s talent, Apostolos talked to the media following Tsitsipas’ miraculous title run. “I never had a doubt he [Stefanos Tsitsipas] would play this level. For sure never had a doubt. But, he’s a dreamer. I could say that also he’s still young in his soul, in his mind,” said Apostolos after his son shared a moment of glory with him.

Apostolos continues, “As every young person, you know, they need to believe in life, they need to believe in the targets they put. That’s why we are there, to remind them that they deserve to be whatever they are.”

Having such a supportive parent who understands the sport is a boon for any tennis player. What do you think of Stefanos Tsitsipas and the challenges he had to endure? Let us know in the comments below!