Stefanos Tsitsipas is starting the year outside the Top 10 since 2019. What does the Greek superstar have to say about this? “I don’t think there’s that much pressure when you’re outside of the top 10. Well, probably there is some pressure in terms of like now it’s my opportunity to add on points and get some good weeks going,” said Tsitsipas. His next assignment is the United Cup, the only preparatory stage ahead of the 2025 AO. Talking about AO, Tsitsipas’ best record in this tournament was reaching the final in 2023. He was defeated by Novak Djokovic in a hard-fought battle at that time! Does he get reminded of how close he was to creating a historic moment in his career?

Novak Djokovic defeated Tsitsipas by 6-3,7-6(4),7-6(5) in that match. If the Greeek had won that match, he would have also become the number one in the men’s singles ranking. At that time he even said, “I’m just happy that I’m in another Grand Slam final. Of course, I was dreaming about the trophy, lifting that trophy. I even dreamt it last night in my sleep. The desire is really there. I really, really want it badly…But just dreaming about it won’t make it happen. You got to act. You got to do something out there. You got to be present even more and do better.” Novak Djokovic shattered his dreams at that time!

Does that disappointing loss at the 2023 AO final, still haunt, Stefanos Tsitsipas? Well, recently during the press conference at the 2025 United Cup, Tsitsipas spoke about his goals for the Australian swing. He said, “My goal this week is to qualify for Sydney. Another goal that I have for the Aussie swing is try to replicate what I’ve done a few years back of maybe getting to the finals of the Australian Open again, which served as an incredible memory, the first one in my career in terms of having the opportunity to play at a Grand Slam final with the best that our sport has to offer, Novak Djokovic.“

How often does Stefanos Tsitsipas get reminded of that loss though? In reply to this, the world number 11 added, “It certainly is my best memory, let’s say, on court ever. Even though I lost that final, it was such a big, important moment in my career because I was suddenly faced with perhaps a potential Grand Slam win and my all-time childhood dream, which was to finish No. 1 in the world. Both were right in front of me.”

Stefanos Tsitsipas has faced Novak Djokovic 14 times in his career and guess what? He has won only two matches against the Serb! What really made the 2023 AO final special to him? “It’s probably the only time in my life that I felt like everything is really under my control and I just need to focus 100%. Unfortunately didn’t happen. But the importance of it mesmerized me and made me kind of emotional that I’m getting so close to what I was dreaming for my entire life,” said the Greek.

After losing the match against Djokovic at that time, Stefanos Tsitsipas admitted that there was nothing else he could do to get things in his favor in that match. “Novak is a player that pushes you to your limits. I don’t see this as a curse. I don’t see this as annoying. This is very good for the sport, to have competitors like him, to have champions like him. He has made me a much better player. He has made my levels of concentration higher and higher every single time I get to play him,” said Tsitsipas. Has Djokovic ever praised this 26-year-old tennis star, though?

“You’re a great player” – Novak Djokovic heaps praise on Stefanos Tsitsipas

Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas have had a lot of memories in between them. Just as the Greek has often revealed his admiration for the Serb, even Djokovic has also showered praise on Tsitsipas multiple times. Addressing Tsitsipas previously, Novak Djokovic once said, “You’ve (Tsitsipas) always been humble in victory and gracious and respectful in your defeats.“

Not only that, he also added, “I’m sure that in the future you’re going to have a lot of victories. You’re still young and you’re a great player. You’re a great competitor…I really wish you all the best, except when you play against me.”

Stefanos Tsitsipas has really climbed up the ladders in the last few years. Maintaining the consistency level throughout the season is probably going to be his biggest challenge in 2025.

What are Tsitsipas’ targets for the next year, though? “I’m looking kind of reinventing myself. I felt like I’ve been stuck in a pattern over the last few months. I haven’t been able to kind of unlock the pattern or get out of it. I’m looking for a fresh, new 2025,” said the Greek in the press conference at the United Cup. All, he now wants is to bring a fair bit of stability in his performances and make gradual progress in achieving his goals. Do you think Stefanos Tsitsipas can win a major title in 2025?