Stefanos Tsitsipas believes he will one day become the highest-ranked player in the world of men’s tennis but is in no hurry to do so.
The 24-year-old was in with a shot of ending 2022 as the world No.1 at this week’s ATP Finals but those hopes have been ended by Novak Djokovic who beat him in straight sets in their opening match at the ATP Finals on Monday. Tsitsipas, who is currently at a ranking high of No.3, needed to win the title in Turin without dropping a match to achieve the milestone.
“If I was to play good tennis this week, win all of my matches, for sure I deserve the (No.1) spot. It shows good performance, it shows consistency.” Tsitsipas said afterwards.
“But it’s not really occupying too much of my mind. I’m kind of excited that I get the opportunity to do something this week that can give me a record, a personal record, and a milestone.” He added.
Tsitsipas first broke into the world’s top 10 in March 2019 and has remained inside the group ever since. A former French Open finalist, he has won nine Tour titles with the most prestigious of those being at the 2019 ATP Finals. He is already the highest-ranked Greek player in ATP history.
“I deeply believe that I can reach that spot one day. I’m not really that much in a rush, to be honest,” he continued.
“Of course, it would have been better if it happened this week. I am more here for the marathon of all. I see the bigger picture, the longer run.’
“I have a lot of opportunities next year to play some good tennis. If it comes, I’ll be very happy, my country will be very happy and my family will be happy.’
“I shouldn’t be obsessing too much about it. I can be happy without it, but of course I will be slightly more fulfilled if it happens in my career.“
The immediate focus for Tsitsipas now is trying to seal a place in the semifinals of the year-end tournament. Despite losing to Djokovic, he is still in with a chance of progressing out of the group stages depending on how he fairs in his upcoming matches against Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev. He trails Medvedev 3-7 in their head-to-head but leads Rublev 6-4.
As a former champion, Tsitsipas knows all too well about the significance of winning the ATP Finals title. Should this year’s champion claim the title without losing a match they will earn a staggering $4,740,300 in prize money.
“Regardless of your ranking in the top eight, you can benefit from winning this event so much in terms of ranking points,” he said.
“Everyone, they really want to give it a last push here as much as they can, including me, as well. You’re competing against the best players in the world at this event. I don’t think they’re in this competition accidentally. They’ve earned their spot.”
Tsitsipas’ next test will be on Wednesday evening against Medvedev who lost to Andrey Rublev in three sets in his opening match.
As for the year-end No.1 race, the only player who can dethrone Carlos Alcaraz is Rafael Nadal who needs to reach the final.
