A month on from winning the biggest title of his career to date, Stefanos Tsitsipas is already focused on trying to carry that momentum into the new year.
The 21-year-old Greek stunned the field by winning the ATP Finals after defeating Dominic Thiem in the title match. Underlining his credentials as one of the rising stars of the men’s game. He will return to competitive tennis later this week at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship. An exhibition tournament that will also feature former champions Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.
Inevitably Tsitsipas will still be in the shadows of both Djokovic and Nadal, who have been two of the most dominant players in the sport over the past decade. However, the world No.6 is confident that he has what it takes to challenge the Big Three. Having recently defeated 20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer for the second time this year.
“I feel I am close. Over the last couple of years, I’ve proved I can beat top players,” said Tsitsipas.
“I can be persistent and consistent at the same time. I plan to work on controlling my nerves on court, being patient, not cracking under pressure and being brave in match situations.”
In Abu Dhabi Tsitsipas will be hoping to make a winning start to his tournament debut. On Thursday he will open up his campaign against France’s Gael Monfils. Who will be playing at the in the event for the first time since 2011. In their head-to-head on the ATP Tour, Tsitsipas holds a narrow 2-1 lead.
“I know Gael pretty well, he is one of my best friends on the Tour and it will be exciting facing him,” he said. “For me it is a great way to start the season by competing at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi. It is a tournament I have never played in before. I am really looking forward to getting a few good matches under my belt before I travel to Australia.”
Tsitsipas is hoping to use the tournament as a platform for the 2020 season, which will begin on January 3rd. This season he has also won titles in Estoril and Marseille. Producing an overall win-loss record of 54-25. He is currently the youngest player inside the top 10 on the ATP Tour.
“Looking at the strong line-up for the Mubadala World Tennis Championship, it’s going to be an exciting tournament.” Tsitsipas previewed.
“I feel every match is important and it will help me mentally knowing that I started the season in the best possible fashion.”
The Mubadala World Tennis Championship takes place over three days and is held at the Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex.
Schedule of event
Thursday 19th
Men’s QF’s
-Stefanos Tsitsipas GRE Vs Gael Monfils FRA
-Daniil Medvedev RUS Vs Hyeon Chung KOR
-(Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have byes)
Women’s exhibition match
-Maria Sharapova RUS Vs Ajla Tomljanovic AUS
Friday 20th
-5th place play-off
-Novak Djokovic SRB Vs Tsitsipas or Monfils
-Rafael Nadal ESP Vs Medvedev or Chung
Saturday 21st
-3rd place play-off
-Final
