‘You feel the same honour at Indian Wells as a Slam,’ says Stefanos Tsitsipas

Stefanos Tsitsipas says he is relishing the chance to make his third appearance at Indian Wells this week, likening it to a Grand Slam.

The Greek star has had an impressive 2021 campaign with 51 victories and 15 defeats and will bid to lift his second Masters 1000 title of the year after winning in Monte Carlo.

In 2019, Tsitsipas had a tournament to forget at the California-based event after losing to wildcard Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4 6-2 in his opening contest, though the 23-year-old still has a soft spot for the event.

“California is a great place for tennis with great weather and ideal conditions,” Tsitsipas said.

“When it comes to organising things for players [it is great]. Indian Wells is known to be one of the best tennis tournaments in the world and every single player is excited to be playing here.

“It does feel like a big thing, you kind of feel the same honour at this tournament and Miami as a Slam. There is something about it.”

Due to the pandemic, the event was cancelled in 2020 and was postponed from March to October this term.

However, after competing in front of crowds at the US Open and the Laver Cup in the last few weeks, Tsitsipas is excited to play in front of fans in the United States once again.