Tsitsipas: “My doctor thought I wouldn’t play at the Australian Open, but I said no”

Stefanos Tsitsipas was the absolute leader on the Melbourne court against Janik Siner, who won 3-0 sets. As he admitted after the game ended, the odds of playing in Melbourne were not in his side as his doctor was not optimistic that he would make it.

“I’m sure my doctor is seeing me right now and messaging me like he does after every game. Neither of us expected to take part in the Open. He told me ‘I don’t see you play in Australia’ but I denied it. I love him very much, he’s a huge tennis fan and has worked a lot with tennis players so I’m happy to be working with him.

“I knew I was facing a very strong opponent and I had to focus on my good shots. I’m happy with my tactics and my service today. It’s incredible to have the support of the people every time I go on the pitch have. Everything is part of the game and the weather and everything. I knew I was going in the right direction in the game. I changed my pace a bit after the roof closed and it just worked.

I believe that games help you develop and give you experience. What I’m learning is that persistence is the key to staying humble. I don’t think much or little. “Let’s do it.”