"I cried that night": Stefanos Tsitsipas says this legend's retirement still ‘triggers’ him three years later
ATP
Stefanos Tsitsipas has played against some of the biggest names in tennis. He has climbed as high as world number 3, reached two Grand Slam finals, and shared locker rooms with legends of the sport.
Yet despite all the battles, triumphs, and challenges he’s faced on the court, there’s one moment that still lingers with him emotionally, and it is not about himself.
Now 26 and going through a turbulent spell in his career, having won just one of his last five matches and recently bringing his father back as coach, Tsitsipas is doing a lot of reflecting. When asked in a recent interview which tennis moment still "triggers" something deep inside him, he did not hesitate.
“That was an amazing week I mean, that was an emotional week.”- Stefanos Tsitsipas
The moment he is referring to happened three years ago, at the O2 Arena in London. It wasn’t a match he played in, but one he watched from the bench, as a member of Team Europe during the Laver Cup. That night, one of tennis’s most iconic figures played his final professional match.
"I cried that night, first of all... I never imagined that I would cry for someone else—but not me in the tennis world."- Tsitsipas admitted
The man who brought him to tears? Roger Federer. Federer’s retirement at the Laver Cup in 2022 was a global moment of mourning and celebration, a farewell to a player many consider the greatest of all time. But for Tsitsipas, it struck even deeper. Federer was not just a legend. He was a childhood idol. Someone he had dreamed of playing against, and eventually did, defeating him twice in four meetings on the ATP Tour.
He elaborated on that time by saying:
"So I was really reflective that night of how my dream started, how I looked up to Roger. then I was there when he was retiring. I knew. So it made me emotional. I felt for him and it still triggers me today."
Federer partnered with Rafael Nadal for his final match, a doubles clash filled with emotion, tears, and standing ovations. Tsitsipas, watching from the sidelines, could not hold it together.
"He’s my idol, obviously, And to see him go like this, it’s probably the biggest dream come true I could have ever asked for."
The Greek star, who once played doubles with Federer at the 2019 Laver Cup, did not leave that night empty-handed either. He walked away with one of Federer’s rackets, a piece of history he keeps close.
"Do I still have the racket? Of course I still have the racket... I’m not selling for any price! This is a nostalgic possession."
In fact, his deep admiration for Federer was not just a post-retirement revelation. Back in 2022, Tsitsipas was already in awe when he said the following:
"I have said it that it’s such a privilege to be here for the last dance. I have worked hard to be sitting right next to them... I have sacrificed a lot, and I’m super proud that I’m able to share this by their side with Bjorn Borg, having Mr. Rod Laver to be here to watch us perform and play."- Stefanos Tsitsipas at a press conference in the Laver Cup 2022
The Greek star continued by stating:
"This is the ultimate that you could ever ask, you know. We have so many great champions, literally the biggest gladiators that tennis has ever seen ever. Not even in this era. Ever."
For a player now seeking to rediscover his form and identity on tour, Tsitsipas may still find inspiration in the very man who brought him to tears. As Tsitsipas continues his own journey, it is moments like that night in London that remind him of how far he has come, and how deeply this sport can move even its brightest stars.
Sean Killen is a contributing journalist for both DartsNews.com and Tennisuptodate.com, where he balances his university studies with writing news updates, player features, and match reports across both sports.
Before joining the sites, Sean built experience across student and professional media. He serves as TV News Director for Cardiff University TV (CUTV), has reported for Gair Rhydd and The Cardiff Times, and produced viral news coverage that gained international attention. His reporting spans sports, breaking news, and human-interest features, and he’s worked across platforms including print, online, radio, and video.
Sean has followed the ATP and WTA tennis tours closely for years, with a growing interest in darts through the Premier League and World Championship circuits. He brings a sharp eye for storytelling, a commitment to accuracy, and a passion for making niche sports accessible to wider audiences.
claps 1visitors 1
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
