Stefanos Tsitsipas Addresses Critics Amidst Recent Tennis Struggles

OCTOBER 17, 2023 18:30

Tennis

Stefanos Tsitsipas, currently ranked World No. 7, has responded to critics who have raised doubts about his commitment to tennis following a series of underwhelming performances in recent tournaments. The talented Greek player last clinched an ATP Tour title at the Los Cabos Open in August.

Since that triumph, Tsitsipas has faced a challenging period, failing to progress beyond the second match in subsequent tournaments. A notable setback was his unexpected second-round exit at the US Open, where Dominic Stricker defeated him.

His struggles continued during the Asian Swing. At the China Open, he was ousted in the opening match by Nicolas Jarry, and then at the Shanghai Masters, Ugo Humbert bested him in the second round.

Shriver Speculates on Tsitsipas

The recent downturn in Tsitsipas's form has led to speculation about his focus on the sport.

Notably, former World No. 3, Pam Shriver, commented on the potential distractions in Tsitsipas's life, including his coaching situation, social media activity, and his relationship with Paula Badosa. Shriver also hinted that the rise of young talents like Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Ben Shelton might have disheartened the 25-year-old.

Shriver remarked, "A lot of turbulence. It's exhausting being the chaser and not quite reaching the top. Perhaps Tsitsipas is feeling overwhelmed by the prowess of players like Alcaraz, Sinner, and Shelton." However, ahead of his participation as the top seed at the European Open in Antwerp, Tsitsipas firmly addressed these speculations.

He emphasized his unwavering dedication to the sport, stating, "For those suggesting I've lost my focus on tennis, I'm training harder now than at any point in my career." Tsitsipas further clarified that his motivation remains internal.

"I'm not looking to prove anything to the world. My goal is to reassure myself of my capabilities and to return to my peak form. I have faith in my journey," he concluded. With the European Open on the horizon, fans and critics alike will be keenly watching Tsitsipas's performance, hoping for a resurgence from the talented player.