Stefanos Tsitsipas thinks that vacating the top 10 slot a few weeks ago refreshed him motivation wise.
The Greek No. 1 returned to the top 10 with his third Monte Carlo Masters title but intends to rise up the order in ATP rankings. The 2-time Grand Slam finalist believes that a positive mindset remains key to the success as he insists that he is only in competition with himself. However, Tsitsipas admitted that he is also realistic and wary of his own expectations that can add extra pressure.
“The goal is to keep a positive mindset and to just continue working hard every day,” Tsitsipas told Eurosport.
“I’m not going to think too much of myself cause we’re just getting started. We’ve only played two tournaments so far on clay and I want to do big things here as well, and in Rome. I really hope I can go for a far in these tournaments.
“Just let’s continue building on the mindset and getting step by step to the desired goals and the achievements that I want to pretty much outperform myself in a way.”
Tsitsipas will kick off his Madrid campaign in the R2 round after earning a bye through the R1. The World No. 7 should be wary of the impact of that concession considering the fact that he will have to face the R1 winner who will be coming to the court with some momentum.
Tsitsipas feels that he has the ability to challenge and win against the best players in the world.
“Now this is a good opportunity and the work continues,” he said said in an interview from Spanish capital.
“I have no desire to stop and to just push further myself. I feel like the comeback has been good.
“I left the top 10 few weeks ago now I’m back and now I really need to push it further because I don’t want to be just in the top 10. I want bigger things than that.
“I want to come back in the top three, I would love to see myself there. But I know that it takes dedication to get back into the top three and not just dedication, the right results.
“I hope by Roland-Garros, this can take place, but of course, hope is not enough. I have to show the work on the court as well.”
Tsitsipas is set to face Brazil’s Thiago Monteiro in the Round of 64 in Madrid in on Friday.