Stefanos Tsitsipas is one of the 2018 season’s climbers on the ATP tour. In an interview with tennisnet, the Greek explains his plans for the coming months.
tennisnet: Mr. Tsitsipas. They play the first full year on the ATP tour. How are you doing right now?
Stefanos Tsitsipas: At the moment I am a little tired. I played a lot of matches, last time in Wimbledon I had a good run. One of my goals this year was to reach the fourth round in a Grand Slam tournament. So I’ve used a lot of energy, I’m just down in that respect. I try to rest, maybe fly to an island, just spend time away from tennis. And with my family.
tennisnet: Does this mean that you will not play in Hamburg?
Tsitsipas: I am not sure. I need to see how I feel physically first. Then I’ll discuss with my team how we’re going to make my game plan.
tennisnet: So you played very successfully in Wimbledon. What do you attribute it to that you get along so well on grass even as a very young professional?
Tsitsipas: Good question. I actually felt comfortable the very first time I walked on grass. It came naturally. I’m a big player with a strong serve, good basic strokes, I like to get to the net – so my playing style fits pretty well on grass. Of course I’m a little more familiar with clay courts, because at home in Greece we only play on ashes.
tennisnet: What are your plans for the second half of the year?
Tsitsipas: I definitely want to finish the year in the Top 30. That’s what I set out to do at the beginning of the season. If things go better than expected, my goals increase. That, of course, depends on next week’s results. I have to work hard and stay focused. And collect good results.
tennisnet: How important is your participation in the NextGen Masters in Milan?
Tsitsipas: I didn’t play there last year, so I don’t know what it feels like to compete in the #NextGen final. I hope I qualify, there’s five months to go. But I hope to score a lot of points. And instead of Milan, I can play in London.