Stefanos Tsitsipas - stagnation at world-class level
Stefanos Tsitsipas had to admit defeat twice early in the Sunshine Double in Indian Wells and Miami. The development of the Greek is alarming.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: Mar 30, 2023, 09:42 am
Stefanos Tsitsipas had already announced before the start of the Sunshine Double that he would not necessarily be expected at the two ATP Masters 1000 tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami. Because the Greek suffered from shoulder problems during the events in the USA. So it's no wonder that Tsitsipas only got one win overall.
In any case, the season so far for the 24-year-old has not gone according to plan since he reached the final at the Australian Open. And a pattern was repeated that had already emerged after Tsitsipas' first Grand Slam final at the French Open 2021: The Greek is still unable to play for titles at the highest level.
Tsitsipas rarely gets "dirty" victories
On a good day, Tsitsipas is undoubtedly one of the best players on the tour. However, there are simply too many days when he cannot call up his top level. And in contrast to Carlos Alcaraz or Novak Djokovic, the two-time major finalist is rarely able to win his matches. A quality that distinguishes the very good from the very best players in the world.
In his self-image, Tsitsipas belongs to exactly this category. If you look at the ranking, you would be reluctant to contradict the officially third best player on the planet. But it is also true that the world rankings do not reflect the whole truth. For example, Daniil Medvedev is currently well above the Greeks. The same applies to Alexander Zverev or Rafael Nadal if there is no bad luck with injuries.
Tsitsipas isn't evolving
In any case, with Tsitsipas the question arises as to whether he has made one or the other wrong decision in the recent past. There has been no sign of any further development since reaching the final in Roland Garros two years ago. Neither with the still vulnerable backhand nor in terms of mental strength. A circumstance that is repeatedly expressed in verbal failures towards his box.
After his most recent derailment at the ATP Finals 2022, Jim Courier even suggested that he distance himself from his family professionally. However, Tsitsipas still relies on the support of his parents. It is at least questionable whether this will bring the desired success. Because the 24-year-old is currently stagnating. Albeit on a world-class level.
Here is the individual tableau in Miami
miamimap