By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Saturday May 28, 2022
Stefanos Tsitsipas is still searching for his best self. The fourth-ranked Greek moved smoothly into the round of 16 on Sunday in Paris, defeating Sweden’s Mikael Ymer, 6-2, 6-2, 6-1. It was Tsitsipas first uncomplicated journey of the week in Paris, after needing to come back from two sets down in his opening match against Lorenzo Musetti, and then going four tight sets with qualifier Zdenek Kolar of the Czech Republic in the second round.
The fact that Tsitsipas got through in just one hour and 32 minutes is a good sign, and it pleased him.
“It's a good thing to have a match like this every now and then, I think,” said the always thoughtful Greek. “Especially when you come in, when you walk into a match with so much confidence and believe that you can really structure your tactics and you feel the confidence of your game itself, having built up through the matches before, having played a lot of rallies but having been in a lot of situations in a match, you are able to kind of awaken the mind a little bit and see the best opportunities and possibilities for yourself.”
Tsitsipas: How do I Become a Better Athlete?
A journalist asked the Greek a thought provoking question at the end of his press conference and after delaying a bit, he gave a great answer that alludes to his passion for the sport and his perpetual desire to put his best self out on the tennis court.
“I have questioned myself, how do I become a better athlete?” he said. “These guys (the big three) have pushed me to become a better athlete. I question myself, really, what can I add to my life that can eventually help me achieve more and do more and do better in terms of my career. “So every day is a question: What can I add? I have improved, certainly, a lot when it comes to my diet. Looking back on the diet that I had, let's say, three or four years ago, it's nothing compared to what I have now. I'm very professional and very conscious of what I consume and what I eat every day.
“In terms of fitness, this is something that I have questioned a lot, as well. How much more can I push and bring my body to the limits in order to be at ease when I'm on the court and be able to withstand all that pressure, physical pressure of playing long matches and having to push after every single shot and endurance and all that.
"And of course the balance between life and career, which, yeah, it hasn't been easy, but I kind of really felt like -- well, in better control of my life right now, I think, being focused and having control around me without relying too much on other people's feelings and other people in general. I put myself a little bit more in front than I used to before, which I think has helped a lot.”
Last year’s runner-up in Paris will face either Holger Rune or Hugo Gaston for a spot in the quarterfinals. He improved to 18-5 lifetime at Roland-Garros with today’s win, and he is the favorite to make is way to the final in his half of the draw.
Next week could indee be a massive week for the Greek….