Stefanos Tsitsipas receives a verdict from Roger Federer despite the Greek’s slow progress.
Stefanos Tsitsipas is a “fantastic player,” according to tennis legend Roger Federer, but he also said he hopes the Greek youngster “takes it to the next level.”
Although he believes Tsitsipas is “still doing well,” the 20-time Grand Slam champion voiced his optimism that the 25-year-old will “perform great this year” and “have another breakthrough.”
Before Tsitsipas retired in 2022, Federer and he played each other four times and split the matches, all of which took place in the 2019 season.
In their first encounter at the Australian Open’s last 16, Tsitsipas won in four sets. In their most recent match, which took place in the ATP Finals semifinals, he also triumphed. In the meantime, Tsitsipas lost to the Swiss in Basel’s final four of the Swiss Indoors and the Dubai Championships final.
Tsitsipas has been a regular in the top eight for the majority of the previous five years, but he is currently going through a difficult period and has fallen to 11th in the ATP Rankings, which is understandable given the high standards he has established.
The former world No. 3 had a somewhat disappointing season in 2023 after his thrilling run to the Australian Open final, with injury concerns likely contributing to it.
Tsitsipas battled in a 2-6, 4-6 loss to world No. 32 Jiri Lehecka in the Indian Wells Masters last 16 on Tuesday. Tsitsipas is yet to find his best form in 2024.
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Federer was asked about Tsitsipas in a recent interview at the 96th Oscar ceremony with the Greek broadcaster Cosmote TV.
“Well, I believe he’s a terrific player, and I have certainly lost a lot to him, but I would want to see him step it up a notch. Thus, I hope the best for him,” the 42-year-old remarked.
“Tsitsipas is still performing well, of course, and I’m hoping he can have another breakthrough this year and do even better.”
Federer has offered the following guidance to aspiring young athletes: “Listen to your parents and coach, work hard, love the game, and don’t get too frustrated if it doesn’t go well.”
Tsitsipas has often referred to Roger Federer as his greatest inspiration and maintained that Federer’s influence on tennis was unmatched.
Then, Federer wins by a wide margin. The grace and elegance he possessed in tennis, his charm on the field. He said to ekathimerini.com last year, “I don’t think anyone else will ever match him.”
In the same interview, the 25-year-old said that, in terms of accomplishments, Novak Djokovic was the greatest player in the history of the sport.
By the numbers, Djokovic is without a doubt the greatest. He breaks record after record. Even though he no longer has anything to prove, he still has the thirst. He’s wired that way, Tsitsipas continued.
He seems to be constantly trying to prove something to someone, which is why he’s never happy. I have no idea what or to whom. He seems to be continually looking for a rematch. There’s that sparkle in his eye.
