Stefanos Tsitsipas has struggled for form in 2024 and has fallen outside the world’s top ten.
2024 hasn’t gone to plan for Stefanos Tsitsipas, as the 26-year-old has struggled for form for much of the year.
Things had looked promising, when Tsitsipas won the Monte Carlo Open earlier this year, before reaching the final in Barcelona one week later.
However, the rest of the clay court season was disappointing for the Greek, and his post-summer form on the ATP Tour was no better than in previous years.
Tsitsipas has failed to win more than two matches at a tournament since moving onto hard-courts and his chances of qualifying for the ATP Finals in Turin are now hanging by a thread.
He will realistically need two big weeks in Basel and Paris to reach the ATP Finals which he won back in 2019, beating a certain Roger Federer on his way to the title.
Stefanos Tsitsipas reveals what made Roger Federer so ‘mesmerizing’
Speaking to Tennis TV ahead of this week’s Basel Open, Tsitsipas was asked about his experience playing Federer.
Tsitsipas faced off against Federer five times in 2019, the only year the pair played against each other, with the Greek leading the head-to-head 3-2.
“They were my favorite matches, purely because I never imagined myself stepping on court playing against him,” said Tsitsipas.
“Every single time I got to play him was a majestic moment.”
Tsitsipas went on to reveal what made Roger Federer so special.
“It was mesmerizing getting to face him on the opposite side of the court and witness his excellency.
“I enjoyed seeing what he’s capable of doing and how he’s able to hit certain shots from weird angles.
“He’s able to pull of shots that no-one can,” said Tsitsipas.
Federer’s skills did have Tsitsipas frustrated at times, however.
“It was quite ridiculous at times because I didn’t feel like he deserved to win the point in a few of those circumstances,” he said.
“I enjoyed it even though I got beaten a few times.”
Stefanos Tsitsipas joins in Dominic Thiem retirement tributes
Whilst Tsitsipas begins his campaign in Basel, another ATP star ended their career in Vienna this week.
Thiem retired from tennis following defeat at the Vienna Open, which saw tributes pour in from the tennis world.
Close friend Alexander Zverev thanked Thiem as he retired from tennis, whilst the likes of Carlos Alcaraz, Roger Federer, and Jannik Sinner have all paid tribute.
Tsitsipas also spoke fondly of the Austrian via X.
“Dear Domi, I’m sad to see you retire this soon,” wrote Tsitsipas.
“I’m going to cherish our battles and our fun times on and off the court.
“Playing an exhibition match with you in Austria in 2018 remains a fond memory,” he said.
As one of the only remaining one-handed backhand specialists left on tour, Tsitsipas had one final thank you to the 31-year-old.
“Thank you for holding the one-handed backhand flag so high.
“Danke Domi.”
Stefanos Tsitsipas will be back in action against Botic Van de Zandschulp in Basel on Thursday.
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