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Stefanos Tsitsipas 2021
ATP Tennis Players, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Tennis News

‘I am really pumped for this week,’ says Stefanos Tsitsipas ahead of Madrid


Stefanos Tsitsipas is hoping to continue his impressive form on the European clay with another strong run at the Madrid Open. 

Tsitsipas has won nine of his last ten matches on the European clay, including victory in Monte Carlo without dropping a set and a mouthwatering final against Rafael Nadal in Barcelona last week.

The Greek star had an impressive run in Madrid in the last edition of this event in 2019, eventually losing to Novak Djokovic 6-3 6-4 in the final.

“I won’t lie, my expectations are to come as close to my previous result (in Barcelona) which was in the final,” Tsitsipas told reporters.

“I’m really pumped for this week and next week.”

Given his recent surge in success, the 22-year-old is also looking beyond the Madrid Open as he eyes Dominic Thiem’s No 4 spot in the ATP rankings.

“I can create opportunities and maybe get to number four. It’s something that has been on my mind and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that,” Tsitsipas explained.

“Mainly because I’ve been working hard and I feel like that’s my opportunity to do something different.

“Of course I’m far from there yet, I have to get these matches going and produce better tennis.”

The World No 5 also admitted that there are areas of his game he would like to work on and particularly homed in on his first serve percentage.

Tsitsipas said: “I would like to be a bit more consistent on my serve with a higher first service (percentage). I would like to come to the net more and have a higher winning percentage of net points won. Stuff like this is something I am aiming for.

“Sending my attention towards the small details which will help me become a more aggressive and complete player.”

Stefanos Tsitsipas will take on either Benoit Paire or Nikoloz Basilashivili before a potential meeting with Felix Auger-Aliassime, who he beat in straight-sets in Barcelona last week.


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.