“I’m Very Close”: Stefanos Tsitsipas Motivated to Catch Up With Novak Djokovic in Race to Turin

Greek tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas, who is currently trailing Novak Djokovic at No.2 in the race to make the ATP Finals draw in Turin, said that it would be motivating to catch up with him.

Tsitsipas held the lead in the race for Turin despite losing the Roland-Garros final to the Serbian.

However, with Djokovic following up on his second career French Open title by lifting his third straight Grand Slam this year at Wimbledon, the Greek dropped to No.2 in the race.

The Serbian, who is level with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at 20 Grand Slam titles apiece, has already qualified for the ATP Finals with 7,170 points.

Stefanos Tsitsipas trails Novak Djokovic at No.2 in race to Turin

Tsitsipas trails comfortably behind at second with 4,570 ranking points.

The Greek, who currently sits fourth in singles, couldn’t garner any ranking points at All England as he made a shocking first-round exit after losing to American Frances Tiafoe.

Speaking to Tennis TV, Tsitsipas, who reached the quarterfinals of the ATP 500 event in Hamburg on Wednesday with an emphatic win over German Dominik Koepfer, said, “Currently, it’s a big motivation (race to Turin). I know I’m very close (to Djokovic). I am motivated for a better second half of the season.”

He said that with a raft of hard court events scheduled in the United States in the weeks and months ahead, he senses an opportunity to pick up valuable ranking points and close the gap on Djokovic and, possibly, even take the lead.

Tsitsipas hopes to close the gap on Djokovic in US hardcourt leg

“There’s going to be a lot of action in the States with hard court tournaments, and I think there’s a gap for me to close there. Perhaps make a big amount of points and get in the lead again,” Tsitsipas said.

However, he was quick to add that for him to stay ship-shape and motivated for these events, he needs to take care of his body and stay mentally fit.

Watch This Link: Australian Open: Rafael Nadal, Nick Kyrgios, Ash Barty and Other Tennis Players’ Altercations With Fans Over the Years

“My body needs to be in the right state. And I need to be mentally healthy and fit to be able to get to that point again,” the current World No.4 added.

Read More: “Found it Hard to Dictate”: Stefanos Tsitsipas’ Honest Admission After Tough Opening Round Victory at ATP Hamburg Open 2021

Tsitsipas will play Serbian Filip Krajinovic for a place in the Hamburg semifinals on Thursday.