The brothers’ effort ended prematurely Tsitsipah at the Australian Open. Stefanos and Petros lost 7-5, 7-5 by Altmeier/Reges Varela in 95 minutes in the first round of the Melbourne Grand Slam. Especially in the first set, the Greek duo had seven chances to take the set but threw away seven break points.
“Personally I think my level was very poor today“, said Petros Tsitsipas and added: “Maybe I wasn’t used to the court. The training grounds are completely different. But it was also a bad day. It’s sad that it happened at a Grand Slam. Steph played really well, served great. Both of us could have been better, but for a singles player he did his job very well. I didn’t help him at all, sometimes, I didn’t have the right mindset».
Stefanos said in turn:It was one of our worst matches. I can analyze matches, I know what went wrong and what was missing. Our returns were poor and we weren’t playing the best servers on tour. We have to find solutions. We had break opportunities, in one of them I missed a backhand very narrowly. It would be the biggest moment because it would give us the set. We hope to play more together, we need it. We are on and off. Some periods we play, some not. Petros plays in Challengers and ATP 250, I play singles all my life. We need more matches together because today we didn’t coordinate, we didn’t synchronize like we usually do».
The match took place on Court 6, which has a bar on one side of the platform, but the top Greek tennis player did not look for excuses. “I wouldn’t put the blame anywhere. I won’t fault the open bar concept. We both need to get better. I know how much Peter works. I’m disappointed for today because I wanted something good with my brother but we have to take the right steps to get where we deserve».
Peter was asked if he could hear the music: “Yes, you could hear her a bit. You might realize it two or three times in the race and it distracts you. It is, however, something normal for an outdoor stadium. I think it’s always like that. Even at other slams, like the US Open, you can hear the buzz. As a player you have to block all that and perform».
Some players, such as Francis Tiafoe, have suggested that people should be able to move normally in the stands during matches. Stefanos probably doesn’t agree. “It’s hard when you see traffic around you. There is a small yellow ball that flies around and requires more than 100% concentration many times. If it affects you by 5%, you’re screwed. I would like experiments to be done, to see how it affects concentration. You mentioned DJ earlier and I remembered that somewhere in the subconscious I could feel the movement. Not a big fan. That’s why Wimbledon is one of my favorite tournaments, it’s quiet and you can concentrate. I had a similar experience at the US Open, so I’m not a fan. Maybe one day I will, but for now I’m away».
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
