So it wasn’t a dead end. Crowned for the third time in his career on the Rock in April, Stefanos Tsitsipas announced it: he felt “capable of great things”. But it was still necessary to confirm his words with actions. In Barcelona the following week, despite fatigue, the Greek provided a first element of response by making it to the final. And he took advantage of his only hiccup of the season on earth, his early exit in Madrid, to rest and head back to Rome with all his might, to the point of having the sign again at the end of the tournament.
The most interesting thing for Tsitsipas is perhaps his rise in power since his difficult entry into contention against Jan-Lennard Struff (6-7, 6-4, 6-4). During this 2nd round, annoyed by his level, the Greek made his equipment pay the price. “It doesn’t happen often for me to go through those kinds of moments, swinging rackets or taking my anger out on them. But it relieved a little bit of that frustration and pain that I felt in that match. Sometimes it helps to s “clear the mind,” he confided to our colleagues at Tennis Channel.
This moment of loss of control can also be seen as an extreme desire to do well, as a sign of constant commitment, which for example Daniil Medvedev lacked during his dry elimination (6-1, 6- 4) by Tommy Paul. The sequel confirmed it. Tsitsipas clearly raised his voice against Cameron Norrie (6-2, 7-6), before unceremoniously dispersing Alex de Minaur (6-1, 6-2) in just one hour in the round of 16, while the The Australian won their last duel, on hard courts of course, in Acapulco.
Tsitsipas offers a great battle against Struff: the highlights of his success
Confidence returned thanks to a return to fundamentals
“I don’t know if I can play better,” the Greek said during his on-court interview on Tuesday. “I tried to do my best on the court in terms of the quality of my shots, and I Throughout the match, I was quite consistent in serving and placing my balls. I was able to build points patiently and wait for shorter balls to move forward. The impression that my opponent felt the heaviness and depth of my ball It gave me courage and allowed me to believe even more in myself in my ability to continue in this direction. for me today.”
A sign that everything actually worked perfectly, Tsitsipas only committed one direct error on the backhand in this match, the weak point on which his opponents nevertheless focused. If he seems to be glowing with confidence, he owes it to a return to basics. At the start of the season, in the midst of research, he tried to change things in the serve (moving from fixed supports to a relay of supports like Jannik Sinner) but back pain resulted. Returning to his old movement, he reestablished a more natural and efficient tennis.
“In men’s tennis, everything starts with the serve. It’s a very important element to integrate into your game. It can help you win matches, titles and climb the rankings. The serve plays an important role in the way “Of course, if it’s not there, it can affect other parts of your game in the rally or at the net.” Tsitsipas at a press conference.
The big names in bad shape? “It’s an opportunity, of course.”
This positive dynamic is all the more remarkable since the star of those who were considered favorites of this earthly spring has faded at the same time. Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, hampered by forearm and hip injuries, withdrew from Rome and the Italian could also miss the call at Roland Garros. Coming out in the 3rd round being a shadow of himself, Novak Djokovic never seemed to doubt so much before the Parisian Grand Slam. Among the players still in the running, the Greek therefore clearly appears to be the favorite. And beyond this Masters 1000, he has perhaps not been in such good shape before a Grand Slam tournament since Roland-Garros 2021 where he came within one set of the Grail.
Tsitsipas easy against Norrie
“We love seeing him like that, evolving in this way on clay,” rejoiced Justine Henin who commented on his round of 16 on Eurosport. He was clearly dominating with his trajectories, with his creativity, with his physical presence, by his quality of service There is nothing to say, it is an almost perfect copy. We find him in good shape as a major event approaches. you recently and he will certainly be keen to continue to shine on his surface, that bodes well.”
And Tsitsipas agreed to the journalists: “It’s an opportunity, of course. We can’t say that it’s not the case, it’s quite obvious. I’m happy to have returned to the Top 10 , let’s start with that. I left him for a while and it hurt me a little bit. So being back is a great feeling. I want to set new goals now, reach new heights. “I still need some tough matches and win them. I’m still patient and waiting for my moment.”
2024-05-15 21:46:00
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