“Learned a Lot From Him”: Stefanos Tsitsipas Expresses Admiration for NBA Star Giannis Antetokounmpo

After a heartbreaking loss in the semifinals of the French Open, Stefanos Tsitsipas is gearing up for the Vienna Open 2020. However, the 22-year-old has been soaking up the sun with his friend and NBA star, Giannis Antetokounmpo, in Greece over the last few days.

Recently, during an interview, Tsitsipas talked about his friendship with Antetokounmpo and the way the basketball star has inspired him in his career. In August this year, Antetokounmpo was awarded the 2019-20 NBA Defensive Player of the Year.

“He has inspired me, I have already learned a lot from him. We will be seeing each other more in the future, it’s the beginning of a new friendship,” remarked Tsitsipas.

In fact, Antetokounmpo gifted his sports shoes and a signed Milwaukee Bucks jersey to Tsitsipas as a token of appreciation during their vacation. The Greek tennis player uploaded a video on Twitter of him receiving the gift from Antetokounmpo and said: “This is the best gift I have ever received,”

Over the last few days, the duo has indulged in friendly banter on social media and has trolled Nick Kyrgios over his infamous outbursts on the court.

Stefanos Tsitsipas faces tough draw

World No.5 will square off against Jan-Lennard Struff in the opening round at the Vienna Open. The duo has faced each other four times, with the rivalry tied at 2-2. Notably, the last time they met was in the quarterfinals of the Dubai Open this year, Tsitsipas won that showdown in a thrilling three-set match.

Seeded No.3, Tsitsipas, is likely to face Grigor Dimitrov in the third round and might potentially face World No.1 Novak Djokovic at the penultimate stage.

Having already qualified for the year-end ATP World Tour Finals, Tsitsipas will aim to defend his title in November, which he won for the first time last year after he defeated arch-rival Dominic Thiem in an epic final.