Greek tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas has dedicated his Lyon Open title to a Japanese girl who he has been in contact with following the loss of her mother.
The world No.5 says he has been exchanging letters with a girl named Reiko who has been struggling with depression and is currently in hospital with her father. Rieko’s mother was a tennis coach who passed away three years ago when she was just eight. It is unclear as to how long the two have been in contact with each other.
“I dedicate my 7th title to Reiko, a little girl from Japan, with whom we exchange letters in the old traditional way,” Tsitsipas told reporters in Greek on Sunday.
“Reiko lost her mother, who was a tennis coach at the age of 8, 3 years ago, and is currently suffering from depression and is in hospital with her father who supports and helps her on a daily basis, I have sent her many messages, I have spoken to her and this victory is dedicated to her.”
The 22-year-old says he hopes to be able to meet the girl in person later this year when he travels to Tokyo for the Olympic Games which is currently scheduled to go ahead. There has been doubts over the staging of the event amid a surge in COVID-19 cases in the country, as well as growing calls from the public for the event to be scrapped. The tennis tournament is set to start on July 24th which is a day after the opening ceremony.
“I hope in Tokyo this year to be able to meet her and spend some time with her. She is suffering a lot at the moment, so I will try in my own way, with my own work to make things better.” He said.
Tsitsipas defeated Cameron Norrie in straight sets to win the Lyon Open title. He has won seven ATP trophies so far in his career and achieved 33 wins on the Tour so far this season which is more than any other player.
Looking ahead to the rest of the season, the Greek says he is hoping to win in the region of 7000 or 8000 ranking points before it ends. He currently leads the ATP Race with 3360 points which is 440 more than second place Novak Djokovic. Although he has played 11 tournaments already this year compared to Djokovic who has played just five.
“That’s what I’m fighting for; that’s where most of my attention is right now,” Tsitsipas said. “It’s a priority and I’m trying to gain as many points in the Race To Turin this year. It’s going well so far. I’ve been playing good tennis. I’ve been consistent and that has helped me be where I am right now.
“I have a goal of achieving 7,000 or 8,000 points this year. I think it’s a good goal and with this consistency, I see no reason not to get there.”
Tsitsipas will be the fifth seed in next week’s French Open.
