Stefanos Tsitsipas has been at the heart of the action all throughout the season. From smashing records to unintentionally smashing racquets, the Greek international has steered headlines often. Rightly so, his heroics all year round have made him an instant fan favorite. Now, as he returns to Toronto, appearing at the National Bank Open 2021, his outing against Frenchman Ugo Humbert has won hearts and blown minds all across the globe.

22-year-old Stefanos Tsitsipas took on Ugo Humbert in the first-round clash of the Rogers Cup. Backed by a roaring crowd, the Greek dominated the game head-on and bagged the first set to his name. However, Ugo put on a tie-break masterclass in the second set, as the two battled for over 23 minutes, only for Stefanos to come close to winning, yet not close enough.

The game eventually ended in favor of the Greek, who renewed his mental strength and intensified his attack in the third set. Post his match, the youngster reacted to his thrilling victory, crediting fans and his roots for his ‘Spartan’ like performance.

“It is all about the fighting spirit” – Stefanos Tsitsipas

Winning the first set in a comfortable fashion, Stefanos was the favorite for the game. However, when Ugo toppled the Greek in the second set, he rattled his confidence as well. Undoubtedly, it would’ve taken something special from the Greek to recharge and attack again. Safe to say, whatever his locker-room mantra was, it did just the job needed.

Stefanos came out as good as new and shifted the momentum in his favor right away. Reflecting upon the same, he said, “It’s all about the fighting spirit. And I’m someone who doesn’t like to give up.

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“Honestly, it wasn’t easy out there today. I had to put up a lot of effort and willingness to step it up and be my best today.”

“Things didn’t work out for me in the second set, plenty of opportunities, but I felt like a spartan in the third set and nothing stopped me.”

Explaining what playing like a Spartan means, he said, “You know, not much to describe it. I just love competition, I love the energy that competition brings.

“Through sport, through competition, I am able to show something that I wouldn’t otherwise be able to. Sport has taught me a lot, sport has taught me to be the person that I am to this day and sport has raised me in a very good way.” 

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12th man to the rescue

The 2018 Rogers Cup was Stefanos’ breakout season. He defeated four of the top 10 in his campaign, becoming an instant favorite. Ever since then, fans have longed for the Greek to return and put his heroics on display. Speaking of the same, Stefanos rightly credits the unbelievable support he’s received in Toronto upon his return.

He said, “I have my crowd beside me. They give me energy, they give me support. I came here a few years ago and the least I can do is aim for the best of my game.”

Undoubtedly, the Greek army will continue to back Stefanos as he marches forward in the tournament. Recently crowned as World No. 3, expectations are at an all-time high. Will the youngster live up to his new rank, or will he crumble under the pressure?

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