On February 19th this year, Stefanos Tsitsipas dropped out of the Top 10 for the first time since he initially broke into the elite group in March 2019. That was the first time in the history of ATP rankings since 1973 when there were no players with Roger Federer‘s iconic one-handed backhands in the Top 10. Who would know that a couple of months later he’ll not only get back into the elite group but also creep up to the no.7 in the rankings? Currently, he’s on a 10-match unbeaten run on clay. Roger Federer highly rates this Greek tennis star.

In March, Roger Federer said despite the struggles Tsitsipas was facing earlier this year, he would definitely be able to make “another breakthrough“ this year. He hoped that Stefanos Tsitsipas would recover his form and get back to the Top 10 yet again this year. “I think he’s a great player. But I would like to see him taking it to the next level. So I wish him very well,” Federer said. The Swiss Maestro further added, “Of course, Tsitsipas is still doing well, and I hope he can do great this year and have another breakthrough.”

His wish was fulfilled and Tsitsipas is currently dominating the clay courts this season. The new world number 7 will take on the number 6, Casper Ruud in the finals of the Barcelona Open. Tsitsipas will look forward to bringing home his 12th career title and it will also be his first ATP 500-level triumph. After having played Ruud recently in the Monte Carlo finals, Tsitsipas believes the Norwegian may well come up with new plans this time around.

He added, “These kinds of matches are tricky, playing back to back. I am going to try and work and start that by having a good recovery. And work tomorrow towards the final.” Roger Federer hasn’t won any titles in Barcelona, in fact, he has participated in this tournament only once in his career. But still, there’s plenty to learn for Tsitsipas from the 20-time Grand Slam champion. He has always looked upon Federer as an idol during his childhood days. How did he react after defeating his idol at the 2019 AO?

“Dream come true” – Stefanos Tsitsipas on defeating Roger Federer

Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Roger Federer in a four-set thriller at the R16 of the 2019 AO. After this historic feat, Tsitsipas said, “There’s nothing I can describe it to. I’m the happiest man on earth right now. I cannot describe it.” He further went on to add, “Roger is a legend of our sport, [I have] so much respect for him. He showed such a good tennis over the years. I’ve been analyzing him since the age of six. It was a dream come true for me just being on Rod Laver [Arena] facing him.” Even last year he was seen speaking highly of the Swiss Legend.

Stefanos Tsitsipas shares the birthday with Pete Sampras but he thinks Roger Federer is the GOAT in the racquet sport. During an interview with Marca, ahead of the 2023 Madrid Open. Tsitsipas revealed why he thinks Roger Federer is the GOAT of tennis. He believes the best in history is not determined on the base of the number of titles, Grand Slams or matches that a player has won. Instead, the GOAT of tennis is a player who has inspired people to get attracted to the sport. He believes Federer has done exactly that over the years. What are your thoughts on this?

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