Stefanos Tsitsipas Emphasizes the Importance of Winning in Tournaments After French Open 2020 Defeat

Stefanos Tsitsipas recently lost to Novak Djokovic in a nail-biting encounter in the semis of the French Open 2020. The final scoreline of the match was 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-4, 1-6. The Greek player fought hard but the World No.1 was simply unstoppable.

In the post-match interview, a tricky question was addressed to Tsitsipas; why does winning or losing mean so much to him when the love for the sport is his primary drive?

“If I wouldn’t be winning, I wouldn’t be a part of what I am now. I wouldn’t be a part of the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy. I wouldn’t be a celebrity in my country. No one would know me. It’s all because of winning,” replied a straightforward Tsitsipas.

Tsitsipas was the first Greek player to play in the semi-finals of Roland Garros. He certainly expected a better finish at the tournament. His focus on winning proves how disappointed he was after the loss.

Also Read: Stefanos Tsitsipas praises Novak Djokovic after the French Open 2020 semi-final loss

“I hate losing”- Stefanos Tsitsipas

The 22-year-old Greek player certainly knows about the significance of winning. He reiterated that had he not been winning, tennis would not have been a part of his life.

“I wouldn’t be making money from tennis. I don’t know what I would be doing. But, tennis would not be a part of my life. Winning has provided a lot. Without it, I would not have my sponsors. I would not be traveling all around the world,” admitted Tsitsipas.

The World No.6 said in the same interview that he hated losing. But, he also stated that a loss could give a great lesson sometimes.

“Losing keeps you in the same place, in the same spot, that’s why I hate losing. It’s weird if you don’t hate losing. But, I guess a loss is a very good lesson. You can grow and get better. You can use it as a life lesson to move forward, to become a stronger person,” concluded Tsitsipas.

Also Read: Novak Djokovic expects tough challenge from Rafael Nadal at the French Open 2020 finals