Stefanos Tsitsipas describes 2021 grass schedule as ‘physically excruciating’

Stefanos Tsitsipas was clear in describing his personally awful 2021 grass court season that came immediately after reaching his maiden Slam final at Roland Garros. 

The Greek made history last June by becoming the first player from his nation to reach a Major singles final, though was defeated by Novak Djokovic from two sets to love up in a painful loss.

Tsitsipas then did not play on grass before Wimbledon before losing in the first round to Frances Tiafoe.

The 23-year-old suffered the same fate in 2019 when he lost to Thomas Fabbiano in his opening match.

“Last year was difficult for me,” Tsitsipas said when asked by Tennishead about his 2021 grass season.

“I didn’t play a single match before Wimbledon on grass.

“I was trying to play on grass like I did on clay, which was a huge mistake. Technique-wise, tactic-wise, it all fell apart.

“None of it made sense.”

To be fair to Tsitsipas, 2021 saw an unusual grass season schedule thanks to the fact that Roland Garros moved back in the calendar by a week, meaning Queen’s and Halle kicked off the day after the final in Paris.

Tsitsipas explained: “Let’s not forget also last year we had the French Open rescheduled.

“It was physically excruciating to try and play Halle the week after.

“I mean, I just came back from a title in Lyon, a final in Roland Garros, and then I had to go play Halle right after.

“It was definitely not the right thing to do, in my mind, although I was signed up to play the tournament.”

Tsitsipas added he insisted on changing that this year.

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