22-year-old Stefanos Tsitsipas is contesting for the gold medal at Tokyo Olympics 2020. Inarguably, his ultimate threat to victory is the 20-time Grand Slam champion, Novak Djokovic. So, how can he clear this test?
Earlier, Tsitsipas and Djokovic met in the French Open 2021 final, where the Serbian recovered from two sets down to win the title. Even so, the Greek World No.4 believes he knows what it takes to beat Djokovic.
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Stefanos Tsitsipas on how to beat Novak Djokovic
In the ATP Head2Head tally, Djokovic has a 6-2 advantage over Tsitsipas. Moreover, the Greek has attained those wins in best-of-three matches. Since Tokyo Olympics is also a best-of-three set competition, things might work out for the Greek God.
Primarily, the reigning Monte-Carlo Masters winner acknowledged Djokovic’s long winning streak. Furthermore, he explained that it all depends on confidence, where most of them fall short.
“It comes with confidence, not thinking who that player is,” Tsitsipas said. “And I think most of the players get in their heads too much.”
In addition to that, the highest-ranked Greek tennis star pledged that “nothing is impossible.” However, he stated that focus is of utmost importance when facing players such as Djokovic.
Tsitsipas added, “I think it’s important to focus on your game when you play against players like him. Obviously, they are there for a reason, but nothing is impossible. Everyone has the capabilities of pulling off something good.”
As per the men’s singles bracket at Tokyo Olympics, World No.1 Novak could only come across World No.4 Tsitsipas in the final. On top of that, both are equally eager to win their maiden gold medal at the Games.
Watch this story: Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Serena Williams, And Others Emotional Moments at Olympic Games
Who can stop Djokovic at Tokyo Olympics 2020?
Following numerous withdrawals and early exits, not many stars are remaining in the draw. However, the likes of Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev, and Diego Schwartzman are still present.
Besides, Djokovic can only face Zverev/Schwartzman in the semifinal and Medvedev/Tsitsipas in the final. Before that, the Serbian might have to overcome home favorite Kei Nishikori in the quarterfinals.
Unquestionably, the best-of-three format has made beating Djokovic a realistic situation. Yet, it would be intriguing to see if anyone can keep the focus and forget they are playing Djokovic, as Tsitsipas said.
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Who do you think can beat the Serbian in Tokyo?