Stefanos Tsitsipas revealed he "almost lost his life" in a terrifying accident at just 15 years old. The world No. 11 has had a strong run at the Paris Masters, advancing to the quarterfinals with victories over Roberto Carballes Baena, Alejandro Tabilo, and Francisco Cerundolo.
The Greek tennis star has been a prominent name on the Tour in recent years, but things could have turned out differently years before his professional debut, as Tsitsipas recently shared: "It was a terrifying experience," the 2-time Grand Slam runner-up said.
Tsitsipas recalls life-changing incident
In a recent interview with "Hola" alongside his girlfriend Paula Badosa, he spoke about the incident that nearly cost him his life. "I don’t think I’ve ever had such an experience, which taught me to live every moment, to be grateful, and not to take anything for granted in life,” he said. “It must have had an impact on me because I also realised how terrifying nature can be, especially when you’re not aware of it.”
“The sea has great cultural value in Greece, and I spent a lot of time on the sea and islands as a child. That day taught me, for the rest of my life, that there are always dangers you can’t control.”
In 2017, at just 19, he broke into the top 100 and achieved his first win over a top-10 player by defeating David Goffin (then No. 10) in Antwerp. A year later, he reached his first Masters 1000 final at the Canadian Open and won the Next Gen ATP Finals, before capturing the ATP Finals title in 2018.
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To date, Tsitsipas has 11 titles (including three Monte Carlo Masters titles) and has been runner-up in 18 finals, including the 2021 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open. The Greek now awaits his quarterfinal match against world No. 3 Alexander Zverev, against whom he holds a favorable 10-5 head-to-head record.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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