Stefanos Tsitsipas exclusive: “I try to be different in my approach to life.”
Stefanos Tsitsipas has a unique life philosophy.
Despite spending most of his time toiling in the gym or on the tennis court, the two-time Grand Slam finalist never fails to see the beauty and art in any situation.
This creativity is reflected in his almost-poetic playing style; combining powerful groundstrokes and deft drop shots with an elegant one-handed backhand.
It’s a style that packs a punch too. Since turning professional in 2016, the 26-year-old has reached No. 3 in the world rankings and made the final of the Australian and French Open finishing runner-up to Novak Djokovic on both occasions.
“I’ve always found art to be my thing. And I also tend to believe that art can be found in words and speech. I believe my outlook comes from my father and also probably from my Greek roots. I think that everything is correlated and connects. ” he told Olympics.com at the adidas House Paris.
“I try and pursue my life through anything artistic, whether that's from photography or talking. I try to be different in my approach to life. I don't really force it, but I find beauty in that much more than I guess other people do.”
The origin of Stefanos Tsitsipas' philosophical outlook
From Aristotle to Socrates, there is no shortage of philosophical inspiration from Tsitsipas’ homeland.
In his formative years, the Athens native immersed himself in it.
“I used to read a lot. I’m very interested in philosophy and new teachings. I've always been very open-minded to learning about different kinds of subjects. So I think my open-mindedness has helped me carve a path of exploration and openness to me as a whole.”
As a proud Greek, it makes sense that Tsitsipas feels a special affinity for the Olympic Games.
Firstly, the first Games in the modern era took place in his home city of Athens. Secondly, Tsitsipas's maternal grandfather Sergei Salnikov was an Olympic gold medal-winning member of the Soviet football team at Melbourne 1956.
Keen to add another medal to the family collection, the tennis prodigy became the first Greek man to win a singles match at the Olympic Games since Augustos Zerlandis in 1924, before bowing out in the third round at Tokyo 2020.
Determined to improve upon that result at Paris 2024, Tsitsipas made it to the quarter-finals, where he was defeated once again by Djokovic, who would go on to win gold.
“Having not a medal this year leaves me heartbroken because it was my goal and I was very close. My dream is still alive, and I still have hope for the future, but, it means a bit extra for me being from Greece and the Olympics mean a lot to us,” he continued.
Tsitsipas was, however, able to enjoy another proud moment in the French capital as he lined up alongside his brother Petros in the men’s doubles. Despite their first-round elimination, it’s a moment both siblings cherish.
“Roland Garros was the first place I achieved major success so I felt very connected to the Olympic experience this year. It left me with lots of great memories and things that I can reflect on and be proud of. To get to play with Petros was a dream come true for us because we had both sought after that moment for so many years.
“Usually I participate in tennis events only, but here at the Olympics we came to celebrate sports. It brought me back to the reason I picked up a tennis racket and is a celebration of well-being.” - Stefanos Tsitsipas to Olympics.com
Greece isn't renowned for producing tennis stars in abundance.
As a result, Tsitsipas, whose father Apostolos taught him the game and remains his coach, is aware of the positive impact his success is having on the sport back home.
In 2019, he was named Greek Male Athlete of the Year and is keen to keep inspiring more children to take up the sport.
“Competing for Greece at the Olympics brought me closer to my nation and my country, my people who have come to support me and given me so much in the last few years.
“I know tennis is not perhaps the most popular sport in my country, but it has changed in the last few years, and it would mean the world to me to bring a medal home in the future.”
A passion for basketball and Giannis Antetokounmpo
Gaining traction in a competitive Greek sports market is no mean feat.
Another athlete from the European nation who has taken the world by storm and was also competing at Paris 2024 is NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Basketball enjoys mainstream popularlity in the country, and the ‘Greek Freak’ became a national icon after establishing himself as one of the finest players in the world.
Tsitsipas is also a huge admirer of the Milwaukee Buck and regards himself as a super fan.
*“*I watched him in every single game that he played at the Olympics. I follow him and I'm a passionate follower. I scream, I cry, I laugh, I go through all the emotions that are possible to go through a basketball match,” Tsitsipas said.
“My passion for basketball is big. And especially when it comes to the Hellenic, national basketball team, I am a big supporter of them.”
Stefanos Tsitsipas on improvement
As for his own career, Tsitspias wants to follow his basketball-playing compatriot’s example and reach his potential.
Should he do that, there’s every chance he will also reach the World No. 1 status.
**“**My philosophy on life is I want to try and improve every single day in whichever aspect I can,” he said.
“Of course, tennis remains a big part of my life because I put so many sacrifices towards it. I just hope at the end of the day, once I'm done with this sport, I can say that I've really done everything in order to accomplish my dreams."
While tennis means a lot to him, he is also sure that sport is only part of his life.
Tsitsipas wants to be remembered above all as someone who inspired and helped others.
“I really want to live a humble, noble life. And I want to live a life where I feel like other people, have been supported by me and have received help whenever they needed it.”