"I couldn’t even pump myself up": Stefanos Tsitsipas reveals fitness concerns in Paris Masters

Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed that he was struggling with fitness concerns during the Paris Masters first-round tie. The 26-year-old defeated Spain’s Roberto Carballes Baena in the round of 64 of the mega-event with a score of 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 on Monday.

Talking after the match, Tsitsipas revealed that he was struggling with fitness concerns during the contest. The reigning world number 11 also expressed his desire to play in the ATP Finals but admitted that securing a spot in the mega-event will not be easy.

"I didn’t start so well,” he said. “I had an upset stomach and wasn’t feeling so great on the court. I couldn’t even pump myself up at the beginning of the match, because when something is bothering you that much, it takes your entire concentration and focus. That was perhaps the second battle I was facing today, along with my opponent. It’s going to take a lot for me to qualify, so if I manage to up my tennis during this entire week, let’s see. If I’m able to deliver something good here, I guess that also earns me a spot in Turin. Regardless of that. I’m just trying to improve and feel my game the best I can."

Tsitsipas will face Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo in the round of 32 on Tuesday. The 27-year-old defeated Portugal’s Nuno Borges in the tournament opener with a score of 3-6, 7-6, 6-3. It will be the first-ever meeting between the two. Tsitsipas is going through a mixed season where he managed to win 40 matches and suffered 20 defeats. His best outing this year came at the Monte Carlo Masters where he lifted the title where he defeated Norway’s Casper Ruud in the final in straight sets with a score of 6-1, 6-4. Other than that, he also played in the final of the Barcelona Open where he lost to Ruud in the final in straight sets with a score of 7-5, 6-3.