Getting off the mark at Grand Slams or securing world No. 1 spot? Tsitsipas says he would choose the latter over clinching a major.
Stefanos Tsitsipas has not lifted a tour level trophy since June 2022 when he won in Mallorca and is bidding to end title draught at the end of this week in Los Cabos, a pleasant Mexican destination for ATP 250 event. With Mark Philippoussis rejoining the Greek’s team, Tsitsipas has set his sights on the top of ATP rankings than winning a major title. The 24-year old is currently busy in Los Cabos ATP 250-event in Mexico and spoke to the El Universal Deportes and revealed his preference for taking the ATP throne.
“I’ll trade [a Grand Slam] for being No 1,” said the currently #5 ranked.
“It is definitely something special, it is a sign that you have reached the maximum in your career, and I like it when you are able to maximize everything. This way, one day I will be able to tell my grandchildren that I have been No.1,” he added.
Having 9 ATP titles under his belt, the Greek looking to win his maiden title in over a year took down big serving American John Isner in straight sets and has recorded wins against Nicolas Jarry and Borna Coric to reach the finals of the tournament.
Sitting 4,375 pts behind the current ATP world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz of Spain, Tsitsipas has previously reached the career high ranking of ATP #3 while having the opportunities to secure the top and both US Open and Australian Open, but couldn’t convert his chances.
The Athens native is also a two-time major finalist and was leading the 2021 Roland Garros final by two sets (one way from winning it all) before losing the next three sets to end up as runner-up.
Tsitsipas has reunited with his former coach at the ATP 250 event after splitting back in May. The tennis star who also enjoy the tutelage of his father Apostolos commented on the earlier split with Philippoussis and talked about the prospects of training with two coaches on court at a time.
“It’s never easy having two coaches on the court. I know they are there to help and give the best they can, and provide for me, but sometimes it can get quite kind of hectic having two coaches share opinions.
“I’m at a phase of my career in life where I need one coach that can provide all the information, all the analysis, all of the things that I’m looking for to improve my game. Less is more, in my opinion.”
“It is very important to stick with few people, in my opinion, and make that work, because when you have a lot of people around you, it can get very draining for your mental energy, too,” concluded Tsitsipas while talking to El Universal Deportes.
No. 1 seed at Los Cabos Open has beaten Hopman Cup winner Croat Borna Ćorić in the straight sets (6-3, 6-2) in semifinals to set a final against Alex de Minaur of Australia.