Tsitsipas: "Not qualifying for this year's ATP Finals has been a humbling experience"

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Stefanos Tsitsipas was a more than regular presence at the ATP Finals. We're talking about a guy who won this event in 2019 and, despite some ups and downs in the final stretch of the season and some significant missteps outside the clay courts, always collected a significant number of points, being very consistent and regular during the early months of the year. Being a master was ordinary for him... until even darker clouds arrived in 2024, and the cushion he used to have in the ATP rankings vanished.

Despite all this, the Greek's 2024 season is marked by some moments of euphoria, especially the conquest of his third Masters 1000 in Monte Carlo, defeating names like Jannik Sinner or Casper Ruud along the way. It was the most positive note of a year also marked by his definitive break with his father, Apostolos, and the hiring of the Greek Davis Cup coach, Dimitris Chatzinikolaou, as head coach. In between, there was a crossfire of statements, disagreements on issues like racket strings, and, in general, a pronounced slump in his tennis that led to his exit from the top 10 for the first time in a long time.

How does Stefanos evaluate such an irregular season? Accepting that perfection is impossible and embracing the changes happening around him, with the patience that process requires. This is what he expressed on Instagram, with some curious words that define what not participating in Turin this year has meant to him. "Not being part of the ATP Finals this year has been a humbling experience, and it has taught me the value of resilience and perspective. I pursue it, but I have understood that perfection does not exist within me, and that's okay. Even if you desire it, it won't come just because that thought exists: the real difference lies in execution and consistent effort", he remarked in one of his many philosophical messages.

WILL THE CHANGES BRING RESULTS?

For Tsitsipas to individually mention the word "changes" shows that the Greek is going through a transitional phase, laying the groundwork for a new working team and, perhaps, new tactical or technical intentions. "Change is not necessarily a bad thing. It is a process that requires patience and commitment, even if the results don't show it immediately. I trust that these changes will take me where I want to be".

After a year where Sinner and Alcaraz have stood out far ahead of the rest, and where the Greek has suffered a couple of defeats against his most direct generational rivals (Medvedev or Zverev), the feeling that the window of opportunities to win a Grand Slam is narrowing begins to be the prevailing trend among many of his fans. The conquest of Monte Carlo shows that a motivated Stefanos, with 100% focus on consistent work on the court, can be one of the big names on the clay court circuit... but his serve, his forehand, his dedication on the court, and his composure in key moments must return to the levels of 2021 or 2022 for this to truly become a reality. Perhaps 2025 will serve as an all-or-nothing year for Tsitsipas, who is approaching his thirties and sees the younger ones evolve tournament after tournament. Will we see him near the elite again? Only time will tell.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Tsitsipas: "No entrar a las ATP Finals este año ha sido un baño de humildad"