Stefanos Tsitsipas isn't preoccupied with the generation gap.

Tsitsipas respects iconic champions Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, but says he's focusing on being the "best of my generation" rather than beating the Big 3.

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The fact none of the Big 3 are playing this week's Miami Open opens opportunity—and poses pressure—on top-seeded Daniil Medvedev, second-seeded Alexander Zverev, third-seeded Tsitsipas and fourth-seeded Matteo Berrettini, who are all playing for their first title of 2022 in Miami.

"I'm trying to compete against my generation more than against [the Big 3]," Tsitsipas told the media in Miam today. "Also simply because Rafa was one of the few of them that participated in the last tournaments. That you don't know, it won't last that long.

"Again, I'm competing against my generation. They might play at some point. I'm trying to be the best of my generation as much as I can, not concentrate too much on what's happening with the elder guys."



Still, the man who held a two-set lead over world No. 1 Djokovic before bowing in a five-set Roland Garros final last June concedes the Big 3 remain a major measuring stick even when they're not in the draw. <

"I've worked hard to be mentioned. I honestly should be closer to what they have been doing when it comes to my age," Tsitsipas said. "I feel like I've been a little bit behind recently. Trying to turn my tennis into something better."

Photo credit: Miami Open Facebook