Stefanos Tsitsipas 'felt really lost' battling negative demons during thrilling Struff win at Rome Open

Stefanos Tsitsipas is through to the third round of the 2024 Rome Open, but not without toil and in his words battling negative emotions against Jan-Lennard Struff as he set up a tie with Cameron Norrie.

It was a 6-7, 6-4, 6-4 win for the Greek as he saw off the German ace in what was a tough match on paper and proved to be so in the end. He admitted to being befuddled on the court during the opening set and a half with the third set where his tennis really started to come alive.

It has been an up and down time for Tsitsipas. He sealed the Monte-Carlo Masters, reached the Barcelona final. But also his relationship with fellow tennis pro, Paula Badosa also hit the rocks. From last year when it was anything but his form dominating the headlines, it is a mix of both and a mix of emotions seemingly for the resurgent Greek as he battles on. But he is through his opening tie and lives to fight another day at the Foro Italico.

“I didn’t really know what I was doing out on the court until mid second set. I felt really lost out there. I don’t think I felt this way in a long time. It felt like I couldn’t sink in with the ball. Everything felt odd in terms of getting the depth I wanted," said Tsitsipas on court during his post match interview.

"I managed to figure out a way to make it work for me. It was really difficult dealing with emotions like this. I don’t think I’ve had a match in my life where so many negative emotions overtook me. I kind of felt in a weird, tricky situation. I didn’t expect that comeback & that win in the end.”