"Catching Novak Djokovic is a big inspiration" - says Stefanos Tsitsipas

Stefanos Tsitsipas is having a very good 2021 and the Greek player led the ATP Race to Turin for a better part of the year. Tsitsipas was the leader prior to the French Open but a double crown by Djokovic in Paris and London gave him enough points to overtake Stefanos as the leader.

Asked about the race at the Hamburg European Open Tsitsipas said:

“Currently it’s a big motivation. I know I’m very close [to Djokovic]. I’m motivated for a better second half of the season. There’s going to be a lot of action in the States with hard court tournaments, and I think there’s a gap for me to close there. Perhaps make a big amount of points and get in the lead again."

Despite the high motivation and belief in himself, Tsitsipas highlighted the need for him to stay healthy. Both physically and mentally as his Wimbledon loss was clearly a mental block after his disappointing finish to the French Open. He said:

“However, my body needs to be in the right state. And I need to be mentally healthy and fit to be able to get to that point again.”