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Stefanos Tsitsipas French Open 2021 Djokovic
Novak Djokovic, Roland Garros, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Tennis News

‘I was weaker at physical elements’ – Tsitsipas analyses French Open loss to Djokovic


Stefanos Tsitsipas has pointed to “physical elements” as the “main reason” for his defeat to Novak Djokovic in last month’s French Open final.

The world No. 4 was beaten by the Serbian great at Roland Garros in his maiden Grand Slam final after leading by two sets to love.

The 22-year-old will return to action on clay this week at the ATP 500 tournament in Hamburg. The top seed will face Dominik Koepfer or Maximilian Marterer in the second round.

“I think, talking about that match [against Djokovic] – there were a lot of physical elements that I was weaker at than Novak,” the Greek said in an interview with WTA star Andrea Petkovic in Hamburg.

“And I think that was the main reason why I wasn’t able to withstand that match and [continue to] play at the level that I was playing.

“So for sure, there are a few things that of course with my team – I’ll have to discuss and come to a solution in order to win my first Grand Slam. I was really close, for sure I was.

“And it was frustrating and sad at the end, although I didn’t really show it. At the locker room it was a difficult moment to kind of reflect to, it wasn’t easy – especially when you’re that close.

“I try and get the best out of it. I think this particular match will most likely – I can take it as strength because I’m mad, of course you’re mad. And I want something different.

“I want a different result on the next encounter. I want to be able to show something better, that’s why I’m out on the court. If I was someone that feels comfortable with ordinary, with average – I wouldn’t be doing what I am doing.”


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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.