“Chasing Something Spectacular”: Stefanos Tsitsipas After Creating History at French Open 2020

The No.5 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas was in imperious form during his quarterfinal clash at the French Open 2020. Tsitsipas defeated arch-rival Andrey Rublev in straight sets to become the first Greek player to reach the semifinals of Roland Garros. The 22-year-old has won 15 successive sets after losing the first two sets in his opening round against Jaume Munar.

Despite Rublev serving 5-3 up in the first set, Tsitsipas fought back to win four consecutive games to clinch the opening set. Eventually, he avenged last month’s defeat in the Hamburg final at the hands of Rublev.

During the post-match conference, the journalist asked Tsitsipas whether he expected his second Grand Slam semifinal would be at Roland Garros. The World No.6 Tsitsipas reached his first-ever Grand Slam semifinal at the 2019 Australian Open, where he lost to Rafael Nadal in straight sets.

“You cannot expect anything. I wasn’t expecting playing at the semifinals of the Australian Open to start first. It’s a dream, of course, but I expected since a young age to potentially triumph at these Grand Slams.” said Tsitsipas.

Stefanos Tsitsipas is chasing a maiden Grand Slam title

Tsitsipas confessed that it was satisfying to have reached the penultimate stage. He added that he would learn from his past experience of playing in the semifinals of a Grand Slam. The Greek, who is eyeing his first-ever Grand Slam title and has never gone past the semifinal stage at any major.

“I’m happy that I’m able to be in a position where I am today. It’s very, very satisfying. I think I can learn from the previous one and I am chasing something spectacular.” remarked Tsitsipas.

However, Tsitsipas faces an enormous challenge as he will play against World No.1 Novak Djokovic for a place in the final. Djokovic downed Pablo Carreno Busta in four sets despite losing the opening set 4-6.

No.1 seed Djokovic has played against Tsitsipas five times in his career, leading the head-to-head 3-2. The duo last faced off in the finals of the Dubai Championships, where Djokovic won in straight sets.