Stefanos Tstispas spoke to the media ahead of his start at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia and he was asked about Rafael Nadal, as have many others. The buzz surrounding the Spaniard is huge as this will be his first event in a very long time. Tsitsipas doesn't think that will hinder him as he said:

"I don't think Rafa will be struggling much playing here. Regardless of how he feels, I'm sure he'll find a way. He always finds a way every single year. Clay is his surface. I'm sure he's going to do well."

When asked about the Djokovic incident that happened at the US Open Tsitsipas was brief saying:

"I have nothing to say on that. Nothing to say."

Similar to the US Open, the Rome Masters has a bubble of its own. Tsitsipas was asked about it and generally the rules in it and he said:

"It's pretty much the same. I guess not as strict as in New York. We are still not allowed to go visit the city or see any attractions or places within the city, but for me personally it's all right. You are allowed to wear, not to have to wear your mask when you're in the courts, which makes total sense to me."

Tsitsipas will kick off his Rome event today with a match against Jannik Sinner, the Italian prodigy who is looking to make a name for himself in his native country.