Stefanos Tsitsipas has publicly acknowledged the crisis he's facing in his tennis career following several disappointing performances, including his recent early exit from the U.S. Open. The 26-year-old Greek, after losing to Thanasi Kokkinakis, revealed feelings of burnout and admitted he lacks the hunger he once had when he first broke onto the scene as one of the sport's rising stars.
Tsitsipas's loss marked the end of what has been a challenging Grand Slam season, where he did not reach the semifinals for the first time since 2018. Reflecting on his current form, he stated, "I'm nothing compared to the player I was before." Tsitsipas reminisced about the adrenaline he once felt on the court, expressing how it has faded over time. "I really want to regenerate it and bring it back because it brought a lot of joy to my tennis when I was able to feel like this on the court," he noted.
The former world No. 3's struggles have compounded since his victory at the ATP Finals in 2019 and reaching multiple Grand Slam semifinals, including two finals. Now, he finds himself desperately trying to break back through the top 10, grappling with the pressure as he looks for stability and success on the ATP Tour.
"What I’m struggling with right now is getting back to wins and consistent good runs in Masters 1000s and big tournaments," Tsitsipas said, acknowledging the significant difference from just two or three years ago when he was competing at his peak. His recent decision to part ways with his father, Apostolos, who also served as his coach, adds to the uncertainty surrounding his next steps.
Despite the difficulties, Tsitsipas showed resilience in his recent match at the Rotterdam Open. He managed to save a match point during his clash against Dutch player Tallon Griekspoor, displaying the competitive spirit he is known for. The match extended for almost three hours, and Tsitsipas emerged victorious with scores of 6-7 (5-7), 7-6 (8-6), 7-5. After the grueling battle, he humorously remarked, "I feel like I was here for 10 hours today."
Griekspoor, who had performed admirably throughout the tournament, praised Tsitsipas post-match, recognizing the maturity and gameplay he displayed. "He was far from reaching this level lately, but he did well today," Griekspoor stated, signaling respect for Tsitsipas's competitive edge even during tough times.
Tsitsipas’s next challenge is against Italian qualifier Mattia Bellucci, who has also been impressive, knocking out the second-seed Daniil Medvedev earlier in the tournament. This matchup could be pivotal for Tsitsipas as he aims to regain his confidence and rhythm.
While Alcaraz has been making headlines for his solid performance and victories, Tsitsipas is embarking on his quest to rediscover his former self. With early exits overshadowing his once-promising career, he recognizes the immediate need for introspection and revitalization.
After the U.S. Open, where Tsitsipas felt trapped under the weight of expectations, he expressed uncertainty about the causes of his burnout. "I’ve had discussions with other people, and I do feel like there is some sort of long-term burnout. I feel like it’s something deep-rooted, and it’s not going to repair itself purely from vacation or staying away from the courts," he admitted.
Looking forward, Tsitsipas is eager to undergo reflection and analysis on his game and mindset, showing openness to receiving help to restore his competitive edge. "Why not?" he remarked, emphasizing his desire to improve and reclaim his place among the sport's elite. He understands the urgency at play as the calendar year advances, and he grapples with the realities of modern professional sports.
Tsitsipas's narrative, marked by highs and lows, has not only captured the attention of tennis fans but has also sparked discussions around athlete wellness and mental health. His candidness shines light on the pressures faced by top athletes and speaks to the broader topic of maintaining competitiveness amid challenges.
With Tsitsipas’s resolve to push through this challenging phase, the tennis community watches with interest, hoping for his resurgence. The upcoming matches will be pivotal; they might just offer Tsitsipas the opportunity he needs to reignite his passion and performance on the court.