"I felt like I was able to do some magical things out there": Stefanos Tsitsipas back in confident mood as form woes dissipated
ATPTuesday, 28 April 2026 at 06:30
Stefanos Tsitsipas continued his strong run at the Madrid Open with a commanding 6-4, 6-2 victory over Daniel Merida, producing one of his most complete performances of the week.
The Greek looked sharp in all areas, particularly on serve and return, as he builds momentum heading into a Last 16 showdown with Casper Ruud at Madrid Open.
“I felt good,” Tsitsipas said courtside on Tennis Channel. “I felt like I was finding my spots, moving him around the court. My returns were pressing, and once I really got in touch with my feel, I felt like I was able to do some magical things out there.”
A return to comfort
Part of that “feel” has come from a return to familiar equipment. Tsitsipas revealed he has gone back to a racket model he previously trusted earlier in his career.
“That goes back quite a few years, it’s the one I always felt best with, especially on this surface,” he explained. “Technology keeps changing and evolving, but sometimes I just feel comfortable with a particular version, and that’s the one I like.”
The difference, he says, is subtle but significant. “The main thing I’m noticing is the flexibility. There’s a lot of flexibility, which improves the feel. I feel like the sweet spot is a bit better. These things might sound minor, but for a professional player they have a big effect on confidence and how you approach certain shots.”
That confidence was evident throughout his win over Merida, where Tsitsipas mixed power with touch, particularly on his forehand and signature one-handed backhand.
“When I have good feel, I can maneuver the ball pretty well around the court and use my drop shots,” he added. “My forehand was working well, and I hit one backhand down the line that felt really good.”
A self-confessed “traditionalist,” Tsitsipas continues to favour a closed string pattern and classic setup.
“I’ve been playing 18x20 my whole life, that’s what I grew up with,” he said. “I’ve tried open patterns, but I definitely prefer closed.”
Confidence building through battles
Tsitsipas arrived in Madrid searching for rhythm, and pointed to his earlier victory over Alexander Bublik as a key turning point. “I was looking for confidence, and that match really tested me,” he said. “He’s unpredictable and can come up with anything. He has great feel, one of the best.”
Preparation was crucial. “I had to be careful and ready for any situation. I worked a lot on my speed before the match. I executed my game plan well, and my serve was spot on, and my second-serve returns were very effective.”
For Tsitsipas, confidence is not a switch but a process built point by point. “It feeds off rallies and wins,” he explained. “Winning difficult, long rallies adds to your confidence. It shows you can defend and then attack when you get the chance.
“I don’t expect anything to come easy. It’s a constant build-up, small wins that boost confidence.”
Style off the court
Away from the baseline, Tsitsipas is also making moves in the fashion world, recently partnering with Italian brand Canali.
“I’ve loved fashion for the past six or seven years,” he said. “When they approached me, it felt like a natural fit. It’s exactly how I like to dress.”
The collaboration goes beyond endorsement, with Tsitsipas confirming he is hands-on in developing a new line.
“We’re building a collection together, the ST collection. I don’t want to say too much yet, but it’s coming.”
Stefanos Tsitsipas through in Madrid.
Experience meets opportunity
With the clay season in full swing and French Open on the horizon, Tsitsipas is drawing on years of experience at the highest level.
“Players are getting better, fitter, stronger, so you have to keep up,” he said. “I’ve gained a lot of experience through tough wins and heartbreaking losses. Those moments build character.”
While grateful for his journey, he admits injuries have tested him.
“The only thing I’m not grateful for is probably my injury that kept me out for a while. But besides that, I’m a fighter. I want to keep fighting every single day and making the most of it.”
Ruud next in Madrid
Next up is a familiar and formidable opponent in Ruud, one of the tour’s most consistent clay-court performers.
“He’s one of the best on this surface,” Tsitsipas said. “I consider myself pretty good too.”
With both players comfortable on clay, the Greek is expecting a high-level battle.
“I want to go out there and make the most of it. There’s time to recover and prepare properly. I’ll give it everything, play focused, determined tennis, full gas.”
If his performance against Merida is anything to go by, Tsitsipas is rediscovering the rhythm and belief that make him such a dangerous force on clay.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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