Stefanos Tsitsipas isn’t letting the recent dominance by Rafael Nadal at the French Open deter his belief that he can win the Grand Slam this year.
The world No.5 is through to the semi-finals in Paris for the second consecutive year after defeating Daniil Medvedev in straight sets. Tsitsipas, who has won seven ATP titles so far in his career, is yet to contest the final of a major in his career. He is also a two-time semi-finalist at the Australian Open.
Although the 22-year-old is confident that he is in with a shot at triumphing in the French capital for the first time. This year is Tsitsipas’ fifth appearance in the French Open main draw and it was at the tournament where he made his Grand Slam debut back in 2017.
“I don’t think there’s a player out there that thinks they can’t win the tournament,” he said following his win over Medvedev.
“Of course I’m playing good, and I think if I keep repeating the process, keep repeating the everyday hustle that I put, for sure there’s going to be a reward, and why not?”
In the men’s draw Nadal, who could potentially play Tsitsipas in the final, remains the favourite to win. The Spaniard is bidding to win the tournament for a record 14th time and has only ever been defeated twice. Losing to Robin Söderling in 2009 and Novak Djokovic in 2015.
“I feel privileged that I’m in that position,” Tsitsipas commented on his French Open run. “I feel obviously I’ve put in a lot of hard work daily and (that) has been a key element of me being here. But my ego tells me I want more.”
On Tour Tsitsipas is coached by his father Apostolos who used to play tennis at a national level in Greece. He is also supported by Patrick Mouratoglou and trains at his academy. Mouratoglou, who is the coach of Serena Williams, is described as a ‘mentor’ to the tennis star.
Awaiting the Greek in the semi-finals will be Alexander Zverev whom he leads 5-2 in their head-to-head. Although the German won their most recent clash at the Acapulco Open earlier this year. Their only previous meeting on the clay was at the 2019 Madrid Open which Tsitsipas won in three sets.
“Every single opponent that has made their way to the semifinals has been playing great tennis,” said Tsitsipas.
“We are surrounded by great players no matter if that’s Rafa or someone else. They all can play.”
Should Tsitsipas win this year’s French Open he would become the youngest player to win a major title on the men’s Tour since Juan Martin del Potro at the 2009 US Open.
