Stefanos Tsitsipas GRE, 12/08/199 – Photo Getty Images
There has been a lot of discussion about the Greek tennis player recently Stefanos Tsitsipas, who is currently going through a period of less-than-stellar form and has played six tournaments without winning two in a row. However, Tsitsipas remains steadfast and calm and aims to get back into his rhythm by 2024.
Many players will be putting everything on the line in the coming weeks to secure a place at the ATP Finals in Turin, a coveted achievement that represents a kind of recognition for the select group of the year’s best. Just a few months ago, Tsitsipas’ participation in the Masters tournament seemed a certainty thanks to his consistent performance in the first quarter of the year, culminating in him reaching a Grand Slam final. However, if we fast forward a few months, the situation now looks completely different.
Currently Tsitsipas is the sixth best player of the season and his participation in Turin is likely, although not yet confirmed. Around 700 points separate him from ninth in the ATP race, which suggests that only strong performances from his pursuers at the tournaments in Basel, Vienna and Paris-Bercy could jeopardize his participation. Nevertheless, Tsitsipas decided to take part in the ATP Antwerp 2023, a tournament he remembers fondly as it was one of the first in which he reached an ATP semi-final at just 19 years old. Here he is considered the big favorite for the title and had a clear goal: to regain the feeling of victory and self-confidence in his game.
Before the tournament began, Tsitsipas took part in a cooking show with a well-known Belgian chef, accompanied by Paula Badosa. During a meeting with the press, the Greek tennis player responded decisively to the recent criticisms and rumors, expressing his utmost confidence in his potential to return to the top and reiterating the importance of the hard work and dedication that accompanies him throughout his career have.
“People say I don’t focus on tennis anymore? I’m training harder than ever before in my career. I don’t have to prove anything to anyone but myself,” Stefanos said during the Belgian tournament’s promotional event. With a not particularly unfavorable draw in Antwerp and a debut against Dominic Stricker or Botic van de Zandschulp, Tsitsipas has the chance to get back to back wins. Will the Greeks manage to dispel their doubts and regain the self-confidence to face 2024 with renewed enthusiasm? The next few weeks will be crucial in answering these questions.
Francesco Paolo Villarico
