“I don’t know if this is my moment, you have to see with more tournaments. I understand when you talk about the Big Three Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, but the reality is that the Big Three no longer exist. They are no longer the top three in the ranking and that’s why I say so, actually Nadal and Djokovic are still competitive while Roger has been absent from the Tour for a very long time.”
For the second consecutive year Stefanos Tsitsipas confirmed himself in the Masters 1000 tournament in Monte Carlo and sent a big message to his rivals. The Greek is at ease on clay courts and is ready to start again this week in the Barcelona tournament where he is probably the big favorite.
It must be said that it takes courage to make such admissions, but they must be supported by the results and a win in a Masters 1000 is not enough. Federer, Nadal and Djokovic have won 61 Slams in three, not to mention the everest of other records impossible to break by any other mortal. Tsitsipas reached the final of Roland Garros 2021, where he showed his inferiority in the presence of Novak Djokovic: ahead 2-0 zero, the Greek melted like snow in the sun, losing the last three sets and showing the world, again once if needed, the difference between the Big 3 and the rest of the Tour.
So, in a hundred years, when it comes to tennis, the Bog 3 will be remembered, celebrated, still loved, by the whole world of sport, while the rest, those who do not know tennis in depth, might say: “But who is Stefanos Tsitsipas? ” Only the Greek can overturn this fate: a goal that seems a mission impossible.
Tsitsipas’ words after Monte Carlo
“I feel really good, it’s nice to go from Monte Carlo to Barcelona, they are two great tournaments and I like the place where they are played. I feel pretty good on clay, this is a great tournament and there are many great athletes.
It’s true, Rafa Nadal will be missing during this tournament, but there are several athletes who I see as important opponents on clay. Where do I see my career in ten years? I’m already well under way, but my journey isn’t over yet.
I don’t think I want to hear about great successes, because I have never achieved such successes so far. Carlos Alcaraz? He is one of the toughest players I have ever faced, I have never beaten him so far but I want to get my first win against him. He is a good and nice guy, even if that has little to do with tennis. I know he trains a lot and I believe we can build a great rivalry for the future. ”