Stefanos Tsitsipas reveals what it means to be ‘In Flow’

James Richardson
March 19, 2023

Stefanos Tsitsipas has outlined what he believes is the ideal mindset for a player to have in competition.

Speaking to the Red Bull Podcast Mind Set Win, Tsitsipas detailed what it means to be in flow.

Tsitsipas says it is an almost effortless state of being where there is no hesitation or outside concern but only calm focus and an awareness of the moment.

He contrasted two matches where he faced Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open.

In their first meeting in 2019, Tsitsipas said he was overthinking and was comfortably beaten.

However, in 2021, Tsitsipas announced himself on the big stage with an epic five set win over Nadal where he came back from two sets to love down.

“The first time I faced Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open in the semi finals.

“I was really patient.

“I remember thinking like okay, you know, I am playing against one of the best and I really need to prove myself with big shots and really go for it.

“I cannot wait I need to like straight away. Years later after that, I was able to face him again at the same tournament at the Australian Open that time at the quarterfinals.

“After being two sets to love down. I understood what I’m doing wrong with him nonstop when I’m trying to play him. I remember coming to an agreement with myself saying okay, you’re gonna become patient, you’re gonna wait and spend every single moment enjoying the play enjoying the fact that you’re competing and just make it a fun game.

“Try and stay in there for as long as possible. And it turned out to be one of the best comebacks I’ve ever done in my career.

“I have a very vivid strong memory of that, because I let go of all expectations that I had. I was trying to focus on the present. I was trying to get the best out of the present moment. It all ended up being one of the most fascinating, craziest performances after being two sets to love down against one of the best tennis players of all time.

“It felt like I was in a cage and someone decided to unlock the cage and I suddenly felt free. And every decision I went for, felt like it was absolutely the right decision at the right time. It’s what I like to call flow.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen myself play at such high focus levels. Everything felt like it made sense. You’re not playing with your skill anymore. You’re playing with your soul. Everything just happens automatically. Whatever you go for. You don’t even have to think anymore.”

Tsitsipas feels that the mental side of his game is where he needs to put in the most work.

He added: “I haven’t lost a lot of matches because of my physical condition. But I’ve lost a lot of matches if not most matches because of the things going through my mind.”

Stefanos Tsitsipas