Stefanos Tsitsipas 'much better' than a month ago after skipping singles match at United Cup, set for double duty against Canada

ATP
Tuesday, 02 January 2024 at 23:30
tsitsipasparis copyright proshots 22997058
Stefanos Tsitsipas (world No. 6) skipped his singles match in the 2024 United Cup, where he was scheduled to face Nicolas Jarry (No. 19) in the second rubber of the series between Greece and Chile. In the series' opening match, Maria Sakkari (No. 8) dominated Daniela Seguel (No. 673) with a 6-0, 6-1 victory, and Tsitsipas was gearing up for his match in the subsequent session.
Minutes before the match, he decided to withdraw, citing back problems. Consequently, 19-year-old Stefanos Sakellaridis stepped in to challenge Jarry. Despite a strong performance by the young Greek, Jarry struggled but ultimately secured a 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 victory.
Tsitsipas later teamed up with Sakkari for mixed doubles, aiming to secure a win for Greece. However, they lost a hard-fought match against the Chilean pair of Seguel and Tomas Barrios Vera, with a scoreline of 6-7(5), 6-3, [10-6].

Tsitsipas acknowledges not being 100% physically fit.

The Greek team lost their opening match in the United Cup and will now be tasked with defeating the Canadian team while also relying on the final results from other group matches in Sydney. The 2-times Grand Slam champion commented on his withdrawal from the singles match, citing that he is not in his best physical condition:
“I'm much better than what I was a month ago. I wasn't 100% sure that I will have the chance to play the United Cup. It didn't really cross my mind when I was considering my comeback. I went through tough times at the end of the year. Things weren't looking very good.”
“Today I was feeling great. There was just one moment during the match that I felt something. But I think I shouldn't be concerned about it too much. It's not a major issue that I'm facing. There are big chances I might do both.”
Greeks and Canadians will play on January 3, with Steven Diez taking on the role of the male singles player due to some physical discomfort for Felix Auger-Aliassime, and he is scheduled to face Tsitsipas. Later, Sakkari will face an inspired Leylah Fernandez, who has had great performances in recent months. The series will conclude with the doubles match: Tsitsipas and Sakkari will team up again to face Fernandez, and possibly Auger-Aliassime may appear in the doubles.

Just In

Popular News