Stefanos Tsitsipas Shares His Admiration for Tennis Icon Roger Federer

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Young tennis talents frequently look up to an idol as inspiration in professional sports. History provides plenty of examples, with Rafael Nadal following in Pete Sampras’ footsteps and Carlos Alcaraz modeling his game after Nadal; Stefanos Tsitsipas recently shared that Roger Federer is his childhood hero; many fans including himself admire Roger’s unparalleled achievements on court!

Federer’s artistry on the court, marked by his smooth one-handed backhand, impeccable movement and aggressive net play left an indelible mark on Tsitsipas as he developed. Hoping one day to face him across the net and play against his idol was something Tsitsipas sought as one of his goals during professional tennis – though Federer was nearing retirement by 2016 when Tsitsipas began competing professionally himself, his desire for competition against world class competition did not wane one bit.

On a recent podcast appearance, Tsitsipas expressed his heartfelt desire to play against Federer before the Swiss legend retired. He acknowledged the challenge of breaking into the top ranks while Federer, along with other titans of the game, were still active, yet it was precisely this challenge that motivated him to excel in tennis. Tsitsipas’s dream came to fruition as he faced Federer on several occasions, marking significant milestones in his career. Their head-to-head stood evenly at 2-2 before Federer’s retirement in 2022, signifying a brief yet impactful rivalry.

Tsitsipas’s journey since Federer’s retirement has been filled with both triumphs and setbacks. Despite reaching the final of the 2023 Australian Open and claiming another Monte Carlo Masters title, inconsistencies have marred his performances at other major tournaments. Questions around motivation have surfaced, but Federer’s own reflections on Tsitsipas’s potential suggest a belief in the younger player’s ability to reach new heights.

Tsitsipas Eyes Comeback with Wild Card Entry at Rotterdam ATP 500 Tournament

Tsitsipas hopes to shake off his poor start to 2025’s tennis season at Rotterdam by winning an last-minute wild card event and competing in an ATP 500 event, thanks to reaching the finals in 2022. Tsitsipas hopes that world No.1 Jannik Sinner withdrawing after such a demanding Australian Open campaign creates more opportunity for Tsitsipas as competition in this tournament increases and potential titles become up for grabs for Tsitsipas to chase after.

With top talents like Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev as part of its stellar line-up, this tournament will provide high-stakes action. As tennis enthusiasts anticipate its arrival, Tsitsipas continues his pursuit of excellence inspired by Federer. His journey enthralls fans as well as fellow athletes alike.