Stefanos Tsitsipas names the two players on the ATP Tour who he wants to play against regularly this year

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Stefanos Tsitsipas has endured a tough start to his 2025 campaign, winning just three matches.

The former world number three kicked off his season at the United Cup, beating Pablo Carreno Busta before falling to defeat against Kazakhstan’s Alexander Shevchenko.

Tsitsipas then lost to Alex Michelsen in the first round of the Australian Open, his worst performance at the tournament since making his debut in 2018.

Looking to bounce back, Tsitsipas beat Harold Mayot in the Rotterdam Open first round before suffering a shock defeat at the hands of qualifier Mattia Bellucci in the last eight.

Traveling to the Middle East for the Qatar Open, the two-time Grand Slam finalist was beaten in the first round once more.

Tsitsipas lost to Hamad Medjedovic in a three-set battle on Doha’s Centre Court, as the Serbian youngster fought through injury to secure an unlikely victory.

As Tsitsipas regroups ahead of the Dubai Tennis Championships next week, he has revealed who he hopes to face off against regularly this year.

Stefanos Tsitsipas wants to develop a ‘consistent’ rivalry with Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner in 2025

Appearing in a video for the ATP Tour’s YouTube channel, Tsitsipas named the two players he wants to develop a rivalry with in 2025.

“I really hope Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic,” he said.

“I mean, these two, if I’m able to get a consistent rivalry with those two, that definitely shows that good things are happening for me.”

Tsitsipas then explained why he wants to play the two Grand Slam winners this year.

“I have this belief that the more I play Jannik [Sinner], and Novak [Djokovic], during a year that’s actually a good problem to have and that shows that I’m going deep into the draws, and that’s definitely something that I would wish for myself,” he said.

After winning two of their first three meetings, Tsitsipas lost his next 11 matches with the Serbian star, including two defeats in Major finals.

• 2023 Australian Open (F) – Novak Djokovic beat Stefanos Tsitsipas, 6-3, 7-6, 7-6
• 2021 French Open (F) – Novak Djokovic beat Stefanos Tsitsipas, 6-7, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4

He has enjoyed far more success against the Italian world number one, however, as he holds a comfortable lead in their head-to-head.

Tsitsipas has won six of his nine career meetings with Sinner, securing a three-set victory in their most recent outing in Monte Carlo last year.

He’ll no doubt he hoping for more of the same should the pair face off again later this year.

Casper Ruud says his rival Andrey Rublev is the ‘nicest guy’ off the court

World number five Casper Ruud also shared who he considers to be his greatest rival heading into 2025.

“Who would be the biggest rival this year?” he said.

“I feel like I always play [Andrey] Rublev at some point, I’m just going to go with him again because I feel like we play at least once every year, if we play more often that would be great.

“It means we’re doing well, so I think I’m going to go for him.”

Ruud then explained why playing Rublev isn’t always the most enjoyable of experiences.

“It’s not always so joyful to play against Andrey, because he rips the ball from side to side and you know, he hits a lot of winners against you, but it’s fun,” he said.

“He’s a nice guy. I mean, he’s so fierce on the court, but off the court, he’s like the nicest guy and very respectful and humble.

“I like Andrey a lot as a person and, of course, as a competitor it’s tough, but we all enjoy a good challenge.”

Ruud beat Rublev in their most recent encounter at the ATP Finals in Turin, 6-4, 5-7, 6-2.

He does, however, trail the head-to-head, having lost his first four encounters with the Russian star.

Currently leading 5-3, Rublev could look to extend his advantage at Indian Wells when the pair next play in the same event.

The 2025 Indian Wells tournament in California is set to begin on March 3.