Setbacks have always been a part of each tennis star’s career. Just like Carlos Alcaraz defied the odds of struggles and injuries by winning the French Open and Wimbledon in a row, his peers could also turn the tables. ATP star Stefanos Tsitsipas recently faced a setback defeat during the Gstaad Open campaign. While everyone thought this would affect his morale, the Greek came back stronger, setting new goals for the upcoming Paris Olympics.

On Saturday, Tsitsipas faced a tough defeat at the Gstaad Open’s semifinals, losing to Matteo Berrettini in an intense and close match. While it was something that could’ve easily demotivated any other ATP star, the Greek star now “sees” and breathes Paris. Tsitsipas plans to train hard in Monaco for a week before heading to Paris. “I will prepare for a week in Monaco. My plan is to train hard for five days before Paris and I will approach the Olympics like a Grand Slam,” he said.

This statement came in the same press conference where he seemed to be quite disappointed with his own levels. Tsitsipas shared his thoughts on the defeat against Berrettini, saying, “I wasn’t as consistent as he was. I felt like he had longer serves than me, he was winning more easy points than I was on serve. I had to work harder to earn points. He played very well, I must say. I have faced him several times and I think today’s match was one of the best he has played against me. I did my best, obviously, but it wasn’t enough.”

Tsitsipas will compete in both singles and men’s doubles events at the Games. He has decided to partner up with his brother, Petros, in the men’s doubles. The tennis tournament at the Olympics will take place from July 27th to August 4 at Roland Garros, a moment that would bring the Greek ATP star closer to his childhood dream. Not many would know that Tsistpas has had a desire to win an Olympic medal for a long time.

“Greece and the (Olympic) Games for sure fit like bread and butter together. It is something that has been a dream of mine since I started playing tennis,” Tsitsipas shared. “Since I first picked up a tennis racquet, I always wanted to be an athlete who gets to participate in something like that,” he added, mentioning the depth of his aspirations. However, besides just simply dreaming of walking out with a medal, the 25-year-old also seems to have a plan.

Tsitsipas plans on initiating Olympic preparations soon enough

Tsitsipas seemed to be quite balanced on his Roland Garros campaign. The ATP star won three matches and secured a position in the quarter-finals. While Alcaraz possessed unmatchable levels lately, he didn’t take long to defeat the 25-year-old in straight sets. Although this year’s run was affected by a tough challenge, the Greek ATP star still has a strong history in the tournament.

He made it to the finals back in 2021 and therefore used it to power up his aspirations for the upcoming games. “Getting a good preparation before the games start is something that I’m really looking forward to,” he said. Along with that, he also mentioned how his experience in the arena will help him swiftly beat the competition.

“I’ve had great success there a few years ago at the same stadium playing the finals of the Roland Garros. So coming back there with that confidence and that living in the backside of my mind allows me to strive and work towards the same end goal.”

The Olympic games are set to begin in just a few days from now. As Stefanos Tsistsipas has already started preparing himself, it is evident that he’s determined to bring a medal home.