There is something truly special about Stefanos Tsitsipas that goes beyond his skilled one-handed backhand or fierce competitiveness. It is the way he connects with his fans. Remember how he asked his fans to show him “some love this week, next week, and all the time” before the Indian Wells in 2021. Well, the unfortunate episode of the COVID-19 pandemic postponed the prestigious 2020 BNP Paribas Open to March 2021, but when the tournament finally returned, Tsitsipas reconnected with his fans in his unique style. Four years have gone by, and Tsitsipas equation with the fans remains the same. Fresh off his heartbreak in Qatar, after AO and Rotterdam, Tsitsipas connected with his followers expressing his gratitude again.

Almost a week after his quarterfinal exit from ATP Rotterdam, Tsitsipas’s campaign at the Qatar Open ended after he fell short against Hamad Medjedovic, losing by 6-7, 7-5, 6-7 in R32. Before Qatar and Rotterdam, he had suffered an early exit at the Australian Open as well, losing in the first round against Alex Michelsen. In a nutshell, Tsitsipas’ 2025 season has started quite rough. However, despite these losses, the fans have stood by the Greek and Tsitsipas has nothing, but gratitude to offer.

“Thankful for the fans who cheer, not just for the wins, but for the journey,” he posted on X after his Qatar Open exit. His form might have been a bit up and down last few months, but Tsitsipas has a big dream this season. He wants to play against Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner more often to build a constant rivalry. “I mean, these two, if I’m able to get a consistent rivalry with those two, that definitely shows that good things are happening for me. I have this belief that the more I play Jannik [Sinner], and Novak [Djokovic], during a year that’s actually a good problem to have and that shows that I’m going deep into the draws, and that’s definitely something that I would wish for myself,“ he said in a press conference ahead of the Dubai Tennis Championships.

And the 26-year-old knows the fans will have his back. Tsitsipas has always had a special equation with the fans. Last year, he thanked his Chinese fans before the Shanghai Open and reflected on their warm reception. “Fans here love me. They have embraced me over the years, I don’t know what it is about me that they like so much. I do feel privileged and lucky,” he said.

Despite his love for the supporters though, Tsitsipas doesn’t shy away from letting them know when their behavior is not appropriate.

When Stefanos Tsitsipas urged his followers to be respectful of his opponent

During his 2020 Australian Open run, Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Salvatore Caruso in the first round by 6-0, 6-2, and 6-3. While the World No. 11 performed impressively, his victory was overshadowed by his fans’ behavior at the Margaret Court Arena. His Greek fans were quite vocal during the match, which disrupted his concentration many times. Post-victory, he addressed this issue and asked his fans to behave appropriately in the stadium.

“It is a little bit [distracting] if I would be an opponent, From their side, they should be a little bit more respectful to the opponents. They can do what they’re doing but probably with more respect. That’s all — nothing else,”  he said, addressing those people who kept chanting “Ole! Ole! Stefanos Tsitsipas” while booing Caruso.

While expressing his disagreement with fans’ behavior, Tsitsipas also thanked them for their support, reflecting on how it fueled his spirit. “I really like [how] they come and support me because that gives me a lot of positives in my game,” he remarked.

Tsitsipas has faced some heartbreaking losses this season, including one in the Round of 32 at the Qatar Open. While it’s not easy to bounce back in an ever-competitive ATP circuit, his followers’ constant support might bring that renewed zeal for him in the upcoming tournaments. Do you think the Greek will be able to turn the tables?