Stefanos Tsitsipas Opens Up About Emotional Reaction to Djokovic Defeats
Stefanos Tsitsipas has opened up about the contrasting emotions he experienced in his two Grand Slam final defeats to Novak Djokovic. The world No. 3 lost to the Serbian tennis star in the recent Australian Open final, less than two years after he blew a two-set lead in the championship match of the French Open, leaving him in tears.
Tsitsipas, who started the year strongly, reached the Australian Open final only to face Djokovic, a nine-time champion in Melbourne Park. In a historic 10th Australian Open crown victory, the Serb dealt the 24-year-old his second defeat in as many major finals.
A Different Reaction to Defeat:
Reflecting on his two defeats to Djokovic, Tsitsipas revealed that he moved on from his loss in the Australian Open final “immediately right during the ceremony, like a few minutes later.” It was a different story at the French Open in 2021, when the Greek tennis star lost to Djokovic in five sets over four hours and 11 minutes, after famously leading the Serb 7-6(6) 6-2 in the final. Tsitsipas described that loss as a turning point in his career, and one of the toughest moments he has faced.
Emotional Experience:
After losing his opportunity to lift his maiden Grand Slam trophy at the 2021 French Open, Tsitsipas said he was left in tears, feeling very upset. The occasion overwhelmed him, as he had been thinking about how cool it would be to play there since he was eight years old. He is yet to win one of the biggest titles in tennis, despite winning nine titles in his career so far.
The difference in Tsitsipas’s reaction to his two Grand Slam final defeats to Djokovic is notable. Although he was unable to clinch victory in either match, he was able to move on more quickly from the more recent loss. This suggests that he is developing a stronger mentality and resilience, which will serve him well in future tournaments. With his talent and drive, it is only a matter of time before Tsitsipas lifts a Grand Slam trophy and cements his place as one of the top players in the world.
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