With Greece battling devastating wildfires for the past seven days, national hero Stefanos Tsitsipas has been trying to help those affected. As the country is experiencing its worst heatwave, the dry conditions have resulted in rampaging wildfires, with thousands of people being evacuated from Athens and the island of Evia.
Tsitsipas, who just returned from the Tokyo Olympics a few days back, is heartbroken to witness the harrowing scenes in Greece. Rendered medal-less at the Olympics, the Greek tennis star lost in the third round in singles and got knocked out in the quarterfinals in the mixed doubles event.
Stefanos Tsitsipas calls for support
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Concerned about the worsening situation, Tsitsipas has been in touch with people to help the families affected by the tragedy Greece is facing.
“We should fight as a team, I am in contact with many people,” said Tsitsipas, in a statement.
Even when the wildfires swept parts of Greece in 2018, the French Open finalist organized a Facebook Fundraiser to support people who suffered because of the destruction caused by the wildfires.
Stefanos Tsitsipas says he will do whatever he can to help those affected by the wildfires in Greece. "We should fight as a team, I am in contact with many people".
— Vicky Georgatou (@VGeorgatou) August 9, 2021
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On a personal front, Tsitsipas has climbed to World No.3 in the ATP rankings, reaching a career-high ranking. The Greek replaced the 20-time Grand Slam champion, Rafael Nadal, at the third sport after the Spaniard lost in the third round at the Citi Open last week.
Up next, Tsitsipas will compete at the Canadian Masters in Toronto, a tournament he made his first-ever Masters 1000 final in 2018.
Seeded No.3, Tsitsipas will face French lefty Ugo Humbert or Italian Lorenzo Sonego in his opening match. After having a tremendous clay-court season, Tsitsipas has had a string of early-round losses since then.
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However, with two back-to-back Masters 1000 tournaments, Toronto and then Cincinnati, Tsitsipas would aim to regain his top form before heading to the 2021 US Open.
For now, let’s hope the situation in Greece normalizes and people’s lives are saved.