“Lacked Visualization”: Stefanos Tsitsipas on His Early Exit From Rolex Paris Masters 2020

World No. 6 Stefanos Tsitsipas is the youngest of the 10 best players in tennis. The 22-year-old from Greece is a two time Grand Slam semi-finalist and an ATP Finals winner already. However, after a wonderful year, he faced now two heavy back-to-back defeats in the early stages from Vienna Open and Paris Masters.

France’s Ugo Humbert ceased Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas journey in Paris. Their battle ran deep in the third set, where the Frenchman prevailed in the last set. In their 3-hour long contest, the Greek failed to gain control. Their final score: 7-6 (7-4), 6-7 (6-8), 7-6 (7-3).

Stefanos Tsitsipas speaks up about his loss

Apart from his 5 ATP titles, Tsitsipas has been unable to carry his game all the way. Winning his only title in Marseille this year, he will look to end his 2020 season just like 2019. The defending champion of ATP Finals, Stefanos is also the youngest to win the year-end finale in 18 years.

Following the match, the Greek addressed the reason for his loss. “I lacked visualization when I was playing.”

As the second seed of the tournament, Tsitsipas was the key challenger to stop Rafael Nadal in Paris. Considering the absence of Dominic Thiem and the exit of the Greek, the road ahead looks good for the Spaniard.

One of the greatest teachers in sports are its failures. Learning the lesson before the year-end finale, Tsitsipas now has time to fill his loops. On that, he added, “I should visualize more when I play and not think during the occurrence of the point.”

The highest-ranked Greek player will have to break some back to repeat such a feat. World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, who ruled ATP Finals from 2012-2015, will also be eyeing to make his comeback.

It will all conclude the year-end finale at London’s O2 Arena, where the Top 16 men will compete with one another. Stefanos Tsitsipas will participate as the reigning champion. Excluding the Swiss maestro Roger Federer, the Top 8 has already booked their London seat.

Watch the conference here:

Also Read: Stefanos Tsitsipas Reveals Concerning News Ahead of Title Defense at ATP Finals