Stefanos Tsitsipas denies at the Australian Open his second Grand Slam final. For the Greek, two dreams could come true with a win.
The mind games started two days before the final. “I don’t remember either”Stefanos Tsitsipas said after his semi-final win against Karen Khachanov when he was asked that Djokovic couldn’t remember anything.
The Serb had a memory gap at a press conference and forgot that he had already faced the Greek in the summer of 2021 in the final of the French Open put up a tough fight and was trailing 2-0 sets. In the end Djokovic had himself in a dramatic Match then enforced.
“A Childhood Dream”
On Sunday (01/29/2023, live ticker from 9.30 a.m.) Tsitsipas will again have the opportunity to compete with Djokovic – this time in the final of the Australian Open. And not just the prospect at first Grand-Slamtitle but also the one in the world rankings should give Tsitsipas a special motivation.
“These are the moments I worked so hard for”said the 24-year-old. “It’s been a childhood dream of mine to be number one. And I’m very close now. It’s a special final.”
Unconventional rule interpretations
Tsitsipas has gradually worked his way into this starting position in recent years. His methods of getting there were not always undisputed. His extremely extensive trips to the toilet between sets not only regularly caused great annoyance for the respective opponent, but even led to a change in the rules. Now these breaks are clearly defined and Tsitsipas must also comply with them.
And his support on the sidelines of his matches caused constant unrest. After all, Apostolos Tsitsipas is Stefanos’ father and coach. And in this dual function, Apostolos has felt obliged to help his son with instructions and tips on the court for many years – although Coaching was strictly forbidden in tennis until the middle of last year. However, the Tsitsipas family interpreted this regulation very generously – which also regularly led to upset among opponents.
Negative Matchbilanz
But father and son are not always careful with each other. At the ATP Cup in 2020, Stefanos, courteous and polite in everyday life, freaked out, thrashing around with his bat and injuring his father’s right arm.
However, Tsitsipas is actually a quiet fellow off the pitch. He pursues his hobby of photography and runs a YouTube channel, where he presents the beauties of Iceland, for example. Stefanos Tsitsipas has to wait a little longer for these moments of relaxation.
Because once again he should show his very best tennis. 2:10 is his match record against the Serbs. Now Tsitsipas is playing nothing less than the biggest game of his life against Novak Djokovic – which may give him completely new energy.
