Stefanos Tsitsipas, the former World No. 3, has embraced a sense of contentment despite Team Greece’s exit from the United Cup. The 27-year-old tennis star concluded the tournament with a flawless 3-0 singles record, including a significant victory over Taylor Fritz, marking his first Top 10 win in over 18 months. This performance, held at RAC Arena in Perth, has rekindled Tsitsipas’s optimism for the future, particularly looking ahead to the 2026 edition of the mixed teams event.
The United Cup journey for Greece ended when the American team clinched the tie with a decisive mixed-doubles win. However, Tsitsipas remains positive, reflecting on his singles triumph against Fritz, which improved his record to 4-2 in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series. “Pleased with the win. It was not easy getting into the match,” Tsitsipas shared with ATPTour.com. “I’ve been absent for a long time and matches like this challenge you to the fullest.”
Comeback from Injury
Tsitsipas’s return to competitive play in Perth marked his first matches since September, due to a back injury. His performance against Fritz demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level once again. “I feel like you really get tested in the most brutal and intense ways against players that have been very consistent in the past couple of months,” he noted. Tsitsipas emphasized the importance of maintaining focus throughout the match, a strategy that paid off as he delivered a strong performance.
Reflecting on his gameplay, Tsitsipas said, “I was trying to read play, trying to read the court and see what patterns he might start building up and liking a little bit more. I tried to stay away from those and played my game. Very offensive tennis. I dominated from the baseline at times.”
Mixed Doubles and Team Dynamics
Alongside Maria Sakkari, Tsitsipas participated in the mixed doubles event, where they faced Coco Gauff and Christian Harrison. Although they were unable to secure a spot in the semi-finals in Sydney, Tsitsipas expressed pride in their partnership. “I spoke to Maria. I’m very proud of her, she did excellently. I’m happy that I got to share the court with her,” he said.
The duo is building a strong partnership, with Tsitsipas highlighting the learning experiences gained from each match. “We blend in quite well, and I feel like every match we’ve played, we’ve always received feedback and always understood how our games can interact even better,” he explained. Despite the disappointment of not advancing, Tsitsipas views this as an opportunity for growth and improvement.
Looking Ahead
As Tsitsipas plans to participate in the Adelaide International before the Australian Open, he is relieved by his physical condition. “So far everything is good,” he stated, expressing his satisfaction with being able to play without pain. “Health is the most important thing in the world. I’m really truly enjoying every single match that I get to play pain-free.”
The absence of discomfort has reignited Tsitsipas’s passion for tennis, allowing him to train with renewed vigor. “To be able to do that right now is like the biggest bliss,” he remarked, emphasizing the joy of playing without the burden of pain.
In conclusion, while Greece’s journey in the United Cup may have ended, Stefanos Tsitsipas’s personal triumphs and newfound physical well-being set a promising tone for his upcoming tournaments. His focus now shifts to the challenges ahead, with hopes of building on his recent successes.
