Stefanos Tsitsipas has spoken of the joy that the comeback of Roger Federer has brought him and the tennis community, after reaching the Marseille quarter-finals.
Swiss legend Federer returned after a 13-month injury absence at the Qatar Open in Doha – where he fell to Nikoloz Basilashvili in the quarter-finals.
Tsitsipas will play Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the last eight in Marseille – where he is aiming to win a third straight title – on Friday
After defeating Lucas Pouille in the second round of the ATP 250 event, the world No. 5 said on Federer: “He played well (against Basilashvili), although he lost.
“I think for him it’s important to get a few more matches. Eventually I feel like he is going to get back on his feet and find his way, follow through.
“It just takes a few matches more, but I’m really happy for him that he’s back. It brings not just joy to the tennis community, but to the tennis players, too.
“Roger is also a source of inspiration. I think it helps also with many aspects of my game.
“It’s nice seeing him play so I can kind of compare, although I’ll never be able to reach his level. But I still feel it’s something that I can look up to and admire, which is really nice.”
