Stefanos Tsitsipas Reveals How He Learnt a Tennis Lesson While Trying to Emulate Idol Roger Federer – ‘I Play My Own Way..’

Who wouldn’t want to emulate one of the most iconic shots that was the trademark of a legend of the sport? It becomes an even more enticing option when that particular legend is Roger Federer and the shot is his adored one-handed backhand. No one knows this better than the Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas, who fell in love with the iconic backhand of the Swiss Maestro as soon as he saw it. However, he once issued a warning for up-and-coming players against the very thing he tried to do: emulating the iconic Federer backhand!

Tsitsipas mentioned how he drew from his experience of being a Federer fan from a young age to explain why imitating the Swiss maestro could be “dangerous” for young players.

Stefanos Tsitsipas warns against imitating Federer’s style of play

Tsitsipas reflected on his early attempts to mimic Federer, and how his game has developed its own identity. In an excerpt from the biography ‘The Roger Federer Effect’ co-authored by tennis journalist Simon Cambers, Tsitsipas notes that “Federer has a one-of-a-kind game that cannot be copied.” The 24-year-old recalls attempting as a child to copy Federer’s effortless forehand and backhand technique but realizing his body simply did not allow him to replicate it. “I started by trying to copy him but then my game evolved into its own thing. I play my own way now,” he said.

“I tried very hard to copy his effortless and beautiful shots but soon realized my body would not allow it. I was different,” Tsitsipas mentioned. He warns that young players need to find their own style instead of “blindly copying” Federer or they may end up “lost and confused.”

Tsitsipas first fell in love with tennis after watching Federer’s dominant performances on television as a young boy growing up in Greece. Talking about the same, he said, “It was magical to watch Roger make the game look so easy. He was an artist on the court”. As he began to play the game seriously, Tsitsipas meticulously studied Federer’s technique, footwork, and shot-making abilities, hoping to one day emulate his idol. It helped the Greek star to understand the legacy of the 20-time Grand Slam champion.

Tsitsipas praises Roger Federer for his everlasting legacy beyond tennis

Tsitsipas also discusses in the book how Federer has transcended tennis to become a global cultural icon. He is “an inspiration in how he presents himself and lives his life,” says the Greek star.

Read More: ATP Paris Masters: Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Grigor Dimitrov; Preview, Head-to-Head, and Prediction

The two players have faced off four times so far on the ATP tour, with each having won twice. Their most recent meeting came in the semifinals of the 2019 ATP Finals, where Tsitsipas prevailed in straight sets. While Tsitsipas has scored some significant wins over his idol, he still looks up to Federer as the standard bearer of the sport.

In the book, Tsitsipas also discusses Federer’s immeasurable impact on and off the court. The 40-year-old has transcended the game to become a global icon, inspiring millions with his grace, sportsmanship, and longevity at the highest levels of the sport. “Roger is an inspiration in how he presents himself and lives his life. He is more than just a tennis player,” remarked Tsitsipas.

While Federer’s influence on tennis is unparalleled, Tsitsipas’ message to young players is to find their own style rather than getting lost, trying to replicate the maestro. With his versatile baseline game and impressive net skills, Tsitsipas has certainly carved his own path to the top of the sport.

Watch This Story: The Journey of Roger Federer to the Elite Billionaire’s Club