Stefanos Tsitsipas continues to impress at the 2025 Indian Wells Masters, showcasing his revitalized game and mental fortitude. After defeating Matteo Berrettini 6-3, 6-3, Tsitsipas is now firmly established in the fourth round and clearly on the hunt for success, having recently captured the ATP Dubai title.
"I want to give my all on the court. I approach these matches with great determination," he said, embodying the spirit of a gladiator ready to conquer any adversary. Tsitsipas expressed pride not just for his victory but for his approach to the sport, indicating significant improvements in both mindset and performance.
Reflecting on his recent struggles, Tsitsipas acknowledged his previous downturn. "I didn't have good performances lately, and I felt my opponents were overpowering me. The last few months were tough, but now I'm working closely with my coach, Dimitris Chatzinikolaou. I see improvements both physically and mentally, which have added much-needed confidence." He humorously noted his social media post about metaphorically needing to get a boat to navigate through the rough waters of his recent play, indicating his awareness of the situation.
This current form and focus are evident as he navigates the challenges of the Masters tournament. Tsitsipas made sure to address the bounce of the ball on the center court, expressing his adaptability: "For me, this bounce is normal because I grew up playing on clay. But I must admit, it’s not typical for hard courts, and I had to adjust quickly." These remarks indicate resilience as he transitions between different playing conditions.
The Greek star reiterated the concept of each match representing "a different chapter," stressing the determination he brings onto the court with every encounter. Following his impressive performance against Berrettini, his confidence seems to rise. Yet he remains grounded, acknowledging: "There’s no such thing as perfect match. I've probably played two close to perfect matches my whole career." He included examples, recalling two pivotal moments from his history: the challenging quarterfinal against Rafael Nadal at the 2021 Australian Open and the momentous clash with Roger Federer at the 2019 edition of the same tournament.
Against Nadal, Tsitsipas faced early adversity, losing the first two sets but staging a remarkable comeback: "Something just clicked, and I started to get my rhythm back. I’m extremely proud of how I turned it around," he reflected. His tenacity not only led to victory but solidified his place as one of the game’s rising stars.
Against Federer, Tsitsipas admitted to feeling the pressure of playing against his childhood hero. Yet, he states with poise: "I didn’t let him win just because of who he is. I played at my best and emerged victorious, which was incredibly fulfilling for me." This moment serves as the backbone of his aspirations and approach to achieving future success.
Tsitsipas's relationship with his coach Dimitris has flourished. "It’s based on honesty and open communication without filters," Tsitsipas explained. Producing synergy, they reflect on both successes and areas for improvement, ensuring Tsitsipas can articulate his feelings and perspectives. Under this mentorship, he continues achieving his goals with focus and clarity.
Looking forward, Tsitsipas is determined to capitalize on his recent form and head deep within the tournament, all the way to the championship. His fresh perspective, etched with lessons learned from challenges and victories, gives him confidence to face higher-ranked players. "The more I advance, the stronger my belief becomes," he reiterated.
With the 2025 Indian Wells Masters underway, fans have much to look forward to as Tsitsipas embodies the passion and dedication of the sport. His drive to perform at his highest level remains clear, and his future at the tournament increasingly bright.