Tennis

Stefanos Tsitsipas: It’s up to us to do something and stop Novak Djokovic

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World No 4 Stefanos Tsitsipas admits Novak Djokovic is the man to beat at this year’s Australian Open. 

Djokovic, a record nine-time Australian Open champion, is set to play again at Melbourne Park 12 months after the infamous Australia visa saga.

Djokovic has had lots of Australian Open success throughout his career and Tsitsipas is giving the Serb his respect. 

“I think it’s good for his fans that he’s back, he’s able to play this year at the Australian Open. He’s one of the strongest players on the field. He’s still got it. He can still play. He can still go deep in the tournament. He played well, very well, in Adelaide. He had some good matches there. It’s up to us to do something about it and to stop him,” Tsitsipas said of Djokovic, per the ATP website.

Tsitsipas wants his first Grand Slam title, Djokovic wants a 10th Australian Open

Tsitsipas, 24, is not anymore among the youngest players on the ATP Tour.

Now, Tsitsipas is at the age where he is simply expected to go out and figure a way to win. 

But it is easier said than done as Tsitsipas admits Djokovic and Rafael Nadal are not the only major candidates for a Grand Slam title. 

“That is the thing that will be the most challenging, let’s say, this year. We have younger guys coming from behind. We still have Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal playing good tennis. They’re still there. We’re dealing with a lot of different things being thrown at us. In my case, I know that a lot of things can be done this year. I have the capacity to withstand the pressures and the challenges that this year is going to bring to me. With the right preparation comes the right execution,” Tsitsipas explained.

Meanwhile, Tsitsipas has drawn Quentin Halys in the Australian Open first round.

At the Australian Open, Tsitsipas is a three-time semifinalist.

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