Stefanos Tsitsipas is arguably one of the brightest young stars in tennis today. The 23-year-old achieved his highest world ranking of #3 last week, overtaking clay court specialist Rafael Nadal. The 2021 season is also turning out to be one of his best since he turned pro in 2016.

While he reached the Australian Open semifinal, he reached his first Grand Slam final in the French Open. However, he lost the opportunity to seal his maiden Grand Slam despite leading Novak Djokovic by two sets.

With the US Open in two weeks’ time, the Cincinnati Open presents the last opportunity for players to warmup for the hard court Grand Slam. While the Greek star takes part in this tournament, he gave a controversial response regarding the need for him to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Stefanos Tsitsipas admits he hasn’t received the vaccine amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way sports events operate. While organizers are allowing fans to enter stadiums, they have strict protocols in place for players to follow. For some tournaments, one of those protocols involves the need for players to take the COVID-19 vaccine.

However, Tsitsipas revealed he did not take the vaccine despite traveling to various tournaments before the Cincinnati Open. In addition, he revealed he will only take it when it’s mandatory. He said, “I haven’t. No one has told me anything. No one has made it a mandatory thing to be vaccinated.

“At some point I will have to, I’m pretty sure about it, but so far it hasn’t been mandatory to compete, so I haven’t done it, no.”

Top Stories

Forced to Leave FOX, Cowboys Legend Troy Aikman Says ESPN Is Like ‘U.S. Government’ & Clearly Distinguishes the Two Networks

Who Is Paige Shiver? All About Michigan Football Staffer & Daughter of Veteran Bears Scout Jeff Shiver

FOX Issues Strict Ban on Terry Bradshaw But NFL Legend Defies It to Join Popular Morning Show

Michael Jordan Brings NASCAR to Its Knees as Jim France’s Courtroom Collapse Triggers Settlement

LIV Golf to Cut Ties With Veteran Pro After His PGA Tour Return Intentions Became Public

What Happened to T.J. Watt? Why Is He Hospitalized? Steelers Announce Latest News on LB Before Dolphins Game

The 23-year-old’s response drew mixed reactions on Twitter. While some agreed with him, others criticized him for his response. One user wrote, “Gee, just when we thought he seemed smart.”

READ MORE: Is Stefanos Tsitsipas The Next Roger Federer?

Can Tsitsipas clinch his maiden Cincinnati Open?

The absence of Djokovic in Cincinnati makes Tsitsipas the second seed. Although he has struggled for form since Wimbledon, he is still a favorite given his run in the Australian Open earlier this year.

With the 23-year-old getting a bye in the first round, he will face either Sebastian Korda or Laslo Djere in the second round of the Cincinnati Open. He could face top seed Daniil Medvedev in the final provided both players don’t suffer any upsets along the way.

WATCH STORY: Australian Open: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams and Others in Funny Interviews and Press Conferences