USA Today via Reuters
Mar 28, 2022; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) salutes the crowd after his match against Alex de Minaur (AUS)(not pictured) in a third round men’s singles match in the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 28, 2022; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) salutes the crowd after his match against Alex de Minaur (AUS)(not pictured) in a third round men’s singles match in the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
It was the 2023 Australian Open. After a string of semifinal finishes, Stefanos Tsitsipas finally made it to the final of the iconic tournament and was looking to win his maiden Grand Slam title. However, he fell short once again against a familiar rival, Novak Djokovic. It was his second defeat against Djokovic in a Grand Slam final, the 2021 French Open being the first. Recently, he dwelled upon how close he was to winning the biggest title of his career.
Tsitsipas is going through an inconsistent run of form lately. Amid this, he sounded positive to win a major title someday.
Stefanos Tsitsipas reflects on his chances
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The Greek tennis star is in Belgium where he’s playing in the European Open. During an interview before the start of the tournament, he took Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s examples to achieve his ultimate dream of winning a Grand Slam title.
via Getty
LONDON, ENGLAND -: Rafael Nadal of Spain and Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece embrace at the net after their singles match during Day Six of the Nitto ATP Finals at The O2 Arena on November 15, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images)
Talking about this, he said, “Win a Grand Slam? I was close to succeeding in this challenge. I had my chances. Perhaps what I lacked was energy. I use way too much on a court. If you look at other champions like Djokovic, Federer, and even Nadal, they know better how to manage all the effort that a Grand Slam requires.”
Further, he went on to add, “The only time in my career when I was smart enough to handle all of this well was at the 2019 Masters and I won it! It takes a long time to master this management. But I’m still on the right track. I haven’t given up yet! You know, it takes years to mature as a man, or as a dominant athlete. And I give myself time for that. I really want to make my dream come true one day. I dream that Paula and I can make it together and be #1. I have nothing to prove to anyone!”
Interview with Stef before the tournament in Antwerp, having the best time of his life thanks to Paula 🥰 and the results will follow 🙏
Stef and Petros are into the doubles semi finals already and he will start singles R16 tomorrow 💥 pic.twitter.com/19anWMBC3p
— Tsitsidosa Updates (@OnlyTsitsidosa) October 18, 2023
During his career, Tsitsipas has been widely influenced by Federer. He even cited not to let his legacy die as he followed him to the path of Grand Slam glory.
Tsitsipas wants to keep emulating Federer
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Like the Swiss maestro, the Greece national has a unique single-handed backhand. However, as time passes, more and more players are opting for double-handed backhands. Nonetheless, Tsitsipas won’t let the Swiss legend’s legacy die.
Opening up about this, he said, “Well, the game has definitely shifted more towards double-handed backhands. Safer shot, some may say; easier to control others may say. But I still have faith and belief in the single-handed backhand.”
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Tsitsipas has a great chance to end his title drought as he takes to the field at the European Open. He’s the top seed and the favorite to clinch the ATP 250 title. Can he attain glory in Antwerp? Let us know your views in the comments below.
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