“Pushes Me to Show Something More”: Stefanos Tsitsipas Reveals His Sentimental Connection to Win Australian Open

World No.5 Stefanos Tsitsipas recently emerged as the winner of the Monte Carlo Masters 2021. The Greek player defeated the in-form Andrey Rublev in straight sets to claim his first Masters 1000 title on clay. The final scoreline of the match was 6-3, 6-3.

Interestingly, he didn’t drop a single set throughout the tournament and defeated the likes of Dan Evans and Aslan Karatsev as well in Monte Carlo.

In a recent interview, Stefanos Tsitsipas revealed which title is next on his target list. He also stated that reason for the same and mentioned why he needs to win it at any cost.

“For me, winning the Australian Open would mean everything. Mainly because my grandfather won the Olympic medal in 1956 in Melbourne at the football arena. That’s 50 meters from Melbourne Park,” said Tsitsipas in the interview.

Tsitsipas’ grandfather Sergei Salnikov was a Russian footballer who won the Olympic Gold in 1956 in Melbourne. He surely wants to recreate that special moment for his family at the very same place and thus wants to lift the Australian Open one day.

“Wish I had the chance to talk to him”- Stefanos Tsitsipas on his grandfather

Tsitsipas’ grandfather passed away at a very young age. Thus, he didn’t get the opportunity to talk to him about his win. He also highlighted that he dedicates all his victories to his grandfather whenever he plays in Australia.

“Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to meet him, he passed away at a young age. I wish I had the chance to talk to him! Every match I play there I dedicate to him and, honestly, it pushes me to want to show something more and play well in Melbourne,” added the 22-year-old player.

The win in Monte Carlo will surely give him confidence, which is necessary for the ongoing clay-court season. Will this form help Tsitsipas to win the biggest prize on clay, the French Open title this year?

Also Read: “We Have a Rivalry Already”: Stefanos Tsitsipas After Rallying Past Andrey Rublev at Monte-Carlo Masters 2021 Finals