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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

An up-and-coming legend, Stefanos Tsitsipas is synonymous with the ATP Tour. Catching the attention of the tennis world at a young age by making it to the semifinals of the 2019 Australian Open, the Greek star has been unstoppable. While he names the legendary Roger Federer as an inspiration, Giannis Antetokounmpo is perhaps a surprising name.

Two of the biggest sporting stars from Greece, Antetokounmpo and Tsitsipas often find common sonnections. Antetokounmpo has carved a niche for himself in the NBA and has inspired many, including Tsitsipas, who wishes he could keep more in touch with the Bucks player.

Stefanos Tsitsipas isn’t too fond of the travel lifestyle he shares with Giannis Antetokounmpo

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Recently, the Greek tennis star appeared in an interview with The Guardian ahead of the 2024 Australian Open. The 25-year-old is looking to better his last year’s performance at the tournament where he made it to the summit clash. During the interview, Stefanos Tsitsipas opened up about a major regret that he felt about fellow sporting star, Giannis Antetokounmpo.

via Imago

“Yannis is a big reason why I push myself to become better. He is a great source of motivation for me. I look up to him. I admire his skill, his mindset, his ethics… I wish we could speak more often but he lives in the US and we both travel so much. I know he respects me a lot. I’ve seen that in his eyes.”

Further, he went on to add, “He understands my life extremely well and we’ve had a lot of interesting conversations about the mentality you need to be the best that you can actually be. There aren’t many top guys out there that are humble like him.”

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This is not the first time Tsitsipas has opened up about Antetokounmpo. Back in 2021, he had some heartwarming words for his countryman.

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Tsitsipas’ kind gesture for Antetokounmpo

A few years ago, Tsitsipas and Antetokounmpo vacationed together in their home country. Spending quality time with each other, their bond grew leaps and bounds and the two are close friends now. Afterward, Tsitsipas revealed a heartfelt statement about the NBA star.

He said, “He is one of the nicest souls, the nicest guys I ever met in sports. I hope I get to spend more time with him as it is good for me, and it is also good for us, in general, to hang out like this.”

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While the NBA season is going on in full swing, Tsitsipas will hope to get back to his best as the Australian Open starts in a few days. He will be one of the favorites to win the tournament, having made it to the final last year. It’ll be interesting to see how he performs in the opening major tournament of the season.

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