Stefanos Tsitsipas is relishing his first taste of life as an Olympian as he books a place in the third round of the men’s tournament.
The third seed recorded a 6-3, 6-4, win over Frances Tiafoe on Tuesday in what was a case of sweet revenge for the Greek who lost to the American in the first round at Wimbledon. Tsitsipas has already rewritten the record books at the Olympics by becoming the first male player from his country to win a singles match since 1924.
Although, it isn’t just on the court where the 22-year-old is thriving. He is also enjoying life in the Olympic Village in what is a very different atmosphere compared to recent weeks on the Tour. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, players have been restricted to where they can go during tournaments and kept inside a ‘bubble.’ The Tokyo Games also have their own restrictions in place but Tsitsipas says it is somewhat different.
“I finally get to be around people, which I didn’t have the opportunity before. It’s a different contrast, it’s a different approach completely. I’ve made friendships, connected with some other athletes. It’s nice to be able to experience something like this. I find the Olympics is really a nice sports event,” he told the Olympic News Service.
“I met a big tennis enthusiast from India … He’s doing shooting and we became good friends. I met some of the other Greek athletes, table tennis players, and rowers from different countries.”
Later this week Tsitsipas will also begin his medal quest in the mixed doubles alongside Maria Sakkari. The two have previously teamed up in the Hopman Cup where they beat Roger Federer and Belinda Bencic during the group stages in 2019.
“Our relationship is great, we know each other since we’re kids, so we’re going to try and bring the best energy and the best dynamic into our doubles,” said Tsitsipas.
“She’s a fighter, and I need a partner that’s fighting and always giving 100%. We’re both ambassadors of tennis in Greece … so for us, we’re both looking forward to this partnership.”
No Greek player has won a medal in tennis since Konstantinos Paspatis and Dionysios Kasdaglis in 1896. Back then the men’s draw only consisted of 14 players (it was meant to be 16 but two did not start).
