Stefanos Tsitsipas believes he doesn’t deserve to be ranked any higher than his current position after losing in the second round of the French Open.
Tsitsipas, who is a two-time Grand Slam finalist, suffered a shock 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, 6-4, loss to Italian qualifier Matteo Gigante on Wednesday. The defeat continues his recent run of poor results at Grand Slam events over the past year. He also lost in the second round at Wimbledon last year before losing in the first round at both the US Open and then the Australian Open in January.
As a result of Tsitsipas’ latest defeat, he is set to exit the world’s top 20 after the French Open for the first time since 2018. The drop comes 13 months after he was last in the ATP top 10.
“I believe that I am right where I am, my results have shown it,” Tsitsipas said of his ranking during an interview with SDNA.
“There is nothing that is unfair. The fairest thing on the tour is the world ranking, which highlights the best players. To put it simply, the ranking doesn’t lie.”
The 26-year-old has experienced a mixed European clay swing this season. He got off to a promising start by reaching back-to-back quarter-finals in Monte Calo and Barcelona. However, since then has only won three out of six matches played across three separate tournaments.
Trying to identify the root of his problem, Tsitsipas admits his confidence on the court has taken a knock.
“I have admitted that this part (his self-confidence) has fallen and step by step I am trying to find it again,” he said.
“I don’t want to say anything else at the moment. Right now, whatever is happening, I feel like it is a mountain in front of me. I hope it will improve, I hope I find the path that will take me to my real tennis path.
“Right now I am not at a level where I can go out and show that I am one of the best in the world. To do that, I will need to improve in every part of my game.”
On a more positive note, the Greek says he should be able to ‘show something better’ on the grass. Last year he played just two tournaments on the surface in Halle and Wimbledon, winning two out of four matches.
“I have the feeling that I will be able to show something better (on grass) but I don’t want to say too many things. Since I believe it, I have to show it.” He concluded.
NOTE: Quotes were originally in Greek and translated into English.
