Tsitsipas: “I am nothing compared to the tennis player I used to be”
The Greek makes a worrying analysis of what the big problem is that explains the bad sporting times that have been going through for some time.
His breakthrough into the elite was brilliant and seemed destined to change this sport. However, Stefanos Tsitsipas has been fading over time and seems to have hit rock bottom at this US Open 2024. His tough confessions to the media reveal that the Greek is in a mental slump.
Double Grand Slam finalist, ATP Finals champion, world number 3, triple Masters 1000 champion… These are just some of the accomplishments accumulated by Stefanos Tsitsipas before turning 26, positioning him as a generational talent, a disruptive star who would lead a new era in tennis.
Hope and excitement have given way to frustration and fear of having lost his best version forever. This is how he expresses himself after being ousted in the early stages of the US Open 2024.
“Right now, I’m nothing compared to the player I used to be.”
With these heartbreaking words, a Tsitsipas, whose record at Wimbledon and the US Open stands at 15 wins and 14 losses, began his intervention, something unthinkable for a player of his caliber.
“I remember when I was younger, competing with adrenaline on the court, feeling like my life depended on every match. That feeling has completely faded, and I lost my consistency as a player,” he affirms.
Tsitsipas has been in this negative cycle for almost two years and does not know the reason
While it is true that in recent years he has somewhat slowed his free fall with occasional bright weeks, especially in Montecarlo, the truth is that this negative trend has been noticeable in him for some time. “I can’t concentrate as much as I used to, and I feel like I need to have that hunger for glory that drove me to give my best.
I’m trying to regenerate those feelings because I was happy playing tennis when I experienced them. I would say I’ve been in this cycle for one or two years, and I don’t know the reason,” he stated before being asked if he felt mental exhaustion.
I’m not an expert in psychology or psychiatry, but the truth is that I have spoken with people
“I’m not an expert in psychology or psychiatry, but the truth is that I have spoken with people in those areas, and the feeling is that I have been experiencing maximum exhaustion for a long time, beyond the physical aspect.
I’ve felt it since the beginning of the year, and it won’t be solved by taking a break from playing or disconnecting with a vacation,” admits a player who has dropped out of the top 10 and is finding it hard to stay among the world’s best players.
His turbulent separation from his father may have deepened a directionless path
His turbulent separation from his father may have deepened a directionless path for Stefanos Tsitsipas, who is desperately trying to find some breathing space. “I find it very difficult to reach that level of consistency that allowed me to win matches consistently in Masters 1000 tournaments.
I am far from that level right now. I need to find a way to accumulate some victories, gain confidence, and approach my best version,” explains the Greek player with desperation after being ousted from the US Open 2024.
