Rising star Stefanos Tsitsipas talks up his chances of claiming French Open title

Currently enjoying a standout season in men’s tennis, world number six Stefanos Tsitsipas has spoke of how his game is adapted to playing on clay.
Last year Tsitsipas made the final of the Barcelona Open on clay before losing to eventual champion Rafael Nadal. While he also stunned Novak Djokovic in Toronto before losing again to Nadal in his first Masters 1000 final.
This season the young Greek has gone from strength to strength. A mesmerising Australian Open saw the 20-year-old beat his idol Roger Federer before losing to Nadal, yes again, in the semi-finals.
Tsitsipas’ season generated further momentum as he won in Marseille and made the final of Dubai before falling to Federer in straight sets.
If you thought Tsitsipas could only perform on hard-court, then you were mistaken. On clay, Tsitsipas has been equally as impressive winning the title in Estoril, Portugal, followed by a magnificent semi-final win over Nadal in Madrid.
He may have lost in the final of Madrid to Djokovic but Tsitsipas believes in his clay-court ability having played on the surface from a young age.
“Learning tennis on clay is very good for your body, for your development. It’s a way to learn how to slide, basically learn the basics of tennis,” he said.
“Then you can move to hard (courts). That’s my personal opinion. I practiced since the age of six up to the age of 14 on clay,” the Greek explained.
Tsitsipas even cheekily implied that he had practiced more on clay as a youngster than Nadal!
It is this charismatic, modest swagger that is making the young Greek appeal to tennis fans across the world.
He may be only 20-years-old but with his maturity and calm level headed approach, Tsitsipas is looking every bit the real deal.
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
More from Tennis365:
-
-
-
French Open 2019: Tennis365 writers cast their predictions for Roland Garros
-
Five Roland Garros contenders: Rafael Nadal still very much the boss at French Open
-
Five Roland Garros contenders: Kiki Bertens primed to make her breakthrough
-
French Open betting preview: Bookies can’t see past the King of Clay Rafael Nadal in Paris
-
Latest
-
News
Novak Djokovic joins Serena Williams at summit of Slams after 30 club
Serena Williams also won 10 majors after turning 30.
-
ATP Tour
Andy Murray pulls out of Rotterdam Open after Australian Open exertions
Andy Murray will not take part in the Rotterdam Open in 2023.
-
Grand Slam
GOAT race is an obsession for Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic won’t stop until he is the GOAT!
-
WTA Tour
WTA Tour: What to look forward to in February 2023
The middle-east swing dominates the February schedule for the WTA Tour.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic’s comments suggest his retirement may be closer than expected
Novak Djokovic’s family may hold the key to how much longer he continues to play at the highest level.
-
Tennis News
John McEnroe calls for Russian players to return to Wimbledon after latest twists
It now seems inevitable that Wimbledon and the LTA will be forced to allow Russian and Belarusian players to play at Wimbledon.
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Carlos Alcaraz salute Novak Djokovic after latest feat
Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Carlos Alcaraz salute Novak Djokovic.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal’s Grand Slam race: Who’s in better shape? What happens next?
Djokovic and Nadal both have 22 Grand Slam singles titles.
-
WTA Tour
WTA Rankings: Iga Swiatek still comfortable at No 1 as Elena Rybakina finally enters the top 10
Your WTA Rankings after the 2023 Australian Open.
-
ATP Tour
ATP Rankings: Novak Djokovic on course to break Steffi Graf’s record as he makes biggest-ever jump to No 1
Novak Djokovic back at No 1.