Stefanos Tsitsipas Lays Bare Pete Sampras and Roger Federer Inspiration Behind Treading an Unfamiliar Path – ‘I Remember Him..’
Follow Us
What makes an athlete do things a certain way is still a mystery. 2023 Australian Open finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas was recently reminded of his iconic backhand after his phenomenal win at the Paris Masters. Tsitsipas beat Russia’s Karen Khachanov in straight sets of 6-3 6-4 to qualify for the semifinals. Post his win, the media swarmed the Greek star, asking multiple questions which brought out his admiration for legends like Roger Federer and Pete Sampras.
However, his response to one question in particular became the highlight as he addressed his next match with Grigor Dimitrov. Tsitsipas spoke in great detail about his aesthetically pleasing single-handed backhand and how he achieved this phenomenal feat.
Stefanos Tsitsipas reveals the origin of his classic shot
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In the interview, the discussion turned to the elegance of the one-handed backhand. This set the stage for a fascinating revelation by Tsitsipas. The interviewer, contemplating tomorrow’s matchup featuring Tsitsipas and Dimitrov, couldn’t help but wonder about the origin of Stefanos’ single-handed backhand. They probed whether his choice was influenced by character, aesthetics, passion, or an embrace of the classic. And also why not choose the more pragmatic two-handed backhand?
Tsitsipas responded with a glimpse into his tennis journey, offering insight into the reasoning behind his one-handed backhand choice. He mentioned: “To me, one-handed backhand always felt like the classic shot. I saw it on TV. I thought, that’s the classic shot.”
Trending
Coco Gauff Drops Adorable Wish to Celebrate Boyfriend’s Birthday Amid Hectic Madrid Open Stint
April 27, 2024 03:00 PM EDT
‘Have a Little More Respect’- Danielle Collins Lashes Out at Noisy Fan in Novak Djokovic-Style as Heated Scenes Erupt at Madrid Open
April 28, 2024 07:37 PM EDT
‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff
April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT
Madrid Open: Tennis Fans Caught Aryna Sabalenka’s New Boyfriend. Here’s Everything You Need to Know about This Brazilian Businessman
April 27, 2024 11:09 AM EDT
Madrid Open: Who Is Danielle Collins’ Next Opponent? Everything to Know About the 25-YO Romanian WTA Star
April 28, 2024 09:59 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
The Greek star drew inspiration from iconic players like Sampras, stating: “That’s how tennis was firstly played, and that’s the classic shot that Sampras, one of my favorite players, played that shot.” He also acknowledged Roger Federer‘s influence, recalling: “I remember him later when I was about six years old.” His decision to stick with the one-handed backhand was cemented at a young age. In his words: “The next day I switched to a single-handed backhand once and for all.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Stefanos also humorously reflected on the moment when he contemplated switching to a double-handed backhand. He playfully challenged the imagination, leaving us to wonder.
The playful side of Tsitsipas
In addition to the insights into his playing style, Tsitsipas’ sense of humor shone through as well. He playfully contemplated an alternate reality where he might have adopted a double-handed backhand. His statement, “I don’t think a double-handed backhand would look too good on me,” was a lighthearted reminder of the uniqueness that defines his game.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The interview with Stefanos Tsitsipas not only uncovered the roots of his classic one-handed backhand, but also shed light on the enduring beauty and influence of this shot in the modern era of tennis. Do you think more players will choose to master the iconic shot inspired by the Greek star or will the shot slowly fade away from modern tennis?
WATCH THIS STORY: Serena Williams pays tribute to Roger Federer
Edited by:
Tony Thomas