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Although he found himself losing the first two sets, Stefanos Tsitsipas alone did not throw a white towel in the Roland Garros semi-final against Novak Djokovic on Friday night.
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On the contrary, the Greek champion was stubborn, increased his performance, made his game on the court more aggressive and led the pair to a fifth set where he finally succumbed to the greater class and experience of the Serbian, No. 1 in the world ranking. .
However, even though he looked “Nole” in the eye and bared his teeth, Tsitsipas made no secret of his disappointment that Philippe-Chatrier’s center court assault was not completed and said goodbye to his dream to his first final. his career in one of the four great Grand Slams.
“Sure, Novak was almost perfect. Honestly, his style of play is incredible. It inspires me a lot to go out, work and try to reach that perfection, the ability to have everything on the court. I feel happy and sad at the same time.
The result could have been better for me. Novak proved once again how amazing an athlete he is, as well as his ability on the court. It was difficult for me to play against him.
I think soyes, one of the toughest players I have ever faced in my life. I have great respect for him. It was very difficult for me on the court “Tsitsipas initially stated, who made no secret that he was late to use the offensive backhand in the match.
“I had an impressive comeback in the game. I wish I had done some things earlier. I felt like I was falling apart. I tried some things in training and then tried to apply them in the game for the first time. I wish I hadn’t tried these things and stayed put. the usual and basic way in how I felt the ball to impose myself in the game.
This was a huge mistake on my part that I made for two consecutive sets. Then I changed my way of playing. It was a good comeback at a time when I was also a good tennis player. In the fifth set I think my body was not prepared. He was not physically there. “
His match against Djokovic was Tsitsipas’ second Grand Slam semifinal since the 2019 Australian Open against Rafael Nadal (the Spaniard will face Djokovic in the Roland Garros final on Sunday in search of his 13th French Open title), with the 22-year-old tennis player considering that he has matured a lot since then.
“I was still a child and now I’m going to be a teenager. My way of thinking has changed, I have matured. Thanks to the people around me, I have grown. I have gained experience and improved my physical condition while reading games better. Also, it’s 100% sure that now I’m more relaxed on the court.
I saw myself in videos 2-3 years ago and I notice that I have matured now, in the sense that I am more calm and observant on the court ”. Closing his interview after the loss to Djokovic, Tsitsipas clarified how important it is for him to win against great athletes.
“If I did not want to win so much I would not be here now. I would not be part of the Muratoglu Tennis Academy. I would not be famous in my country. No one would know me. It all has to do with victories, successes, the form I find out that I would not make money with him tennis.
I don’t know what I would do, but tennis would not be part of my life. Through the victories I have won a lot, without them I would not have my sponsors. Without victories he would not travel the world. When you lose, it keeps you in the same place and I hate talking.
Of course, I think everyone hates defeats, it’s strange if you don’t hate them. But I imagine defeat is a good lesson, with life stopping you at what you do. You can click on it to get better and stronger. “
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