Stefanos Tsitsipas is without a shadow of a doubt the most successful tennis player in the sport’s history in Greece. Along with Maria Sakkari, another Greek player who has climbed the sport’s ranks and claimed global stardom and success in the process, the 25-year-old gifted athlete embodies the virtues of dedication, hard work and perseverance.
However, his early elimination last week in the Australian Open at the hands of 12th-ranked American Taylor Fritz (3-1 sets), has prompted discussions about his progress since he burst onto the scene in 2018.
The Greek, who early on in his career was hailed as the new Federer due to his similar style of play with the Swiss legend, including his all-round game and the trademark one-handed backhand Federer became famous for, is feeling the heat of up-and-coming younger players who are knocking on the door of the ATP top 10 world rankings.
Former tennis great Mats Wilander from Sweden and British veteran Tim Henman have chimed in on his recent lackluster performances, expressing concern that he could be overtaken by the other next-gen players emerging on the tour.
Over the past few months, Tsitsipas seems to have hit a plateau, failing to evolve his game, Henman said. The British veteran, who reached world No.4 and secured 11 career titles (no Grand Slams), emphasized that Tsitsipas has shown no improvement over the last 12 months, pointing out that emerging talents like Alcaraz, Sinner, and Ruusuvuori have surpassed Tsitsipas on the court. Henman urged Tsitsipas to back his words with actions and demonstrate on the court that he has progressed.
Mats Wilander, the Swedish star who won seven Grand Slam singles titles, drew parallels with the career trajectory of Roger Federer, highlighting the Swiss maestro’s ability to adapt and make changes to his game. Wilander underscored the need for Tsitsipas to follow Federer’s example, particularly addressing weaknesses in his backhand. Wilander expressed uncertainty about Tsitsipas’ ability to make the necessary changes.
While acknowledging Tsitsipas’ past achievements, both Wilander and Henman expressed concerns about his recent form. Tsitsipas has maintained a consistent top-10 position since 2019 but faces challenges from the new generation of players. The defeat against Taylor Fritz appears to have motivated Tsitsipas, prompting hopes that it serves as a wake-up call for the Greek player.
Tsitsipas’s response, as evidenced in his statements, has set expectations for a more consistent performance on the court. The upcoming Davis Cup tie against Romania is seen as a crucial opportunity for Tsitsipas to showcase any positive changes or improvements in his game.
As he navigates upcoming tournaments, including the Davis Cup, Tsitsipas will undoubtedly be under heightened scrutiny, with fans and pundits alike eager to witness his reaction on the court.
