WINNERS

STEFANOS TSITSIPAS
Stefanos Tsitsipas is fast becoming a regular on this column, but he leaves us with very little choice. His thrilling game against Stanslav Wawrinka for the last 16 of the French Open left the whole world glued to their televisions, computers, smartphones, or whichever other device they were watching from. It will certainly be a game that will be remembered for many years to come and after it was over nobody paid much attention to who had won or who had lost, as they were too busy trying to keep up with it all. This loss will serve as a learning experience for Tsitsipas, who continues to grow right before our eyes into a world class athlete who will undoubtedly be racking up prizes and trophies one day. It’s only a matter of time.

ANNA KORAKAKI
Yet another gold medal in the pistol for the 23-year-old. Korakaki took part in the world tournament that was held in Munich, Germany and seemed comfortable as she took first place in the 10 m. What’s most impressive is her stability and run of success. If she continues along this path, it is almost certain that she will be a part of Greece’s Olympic team that will travel to Tokyo next year, and she will also be one of the country’s great hopes for a medal.

SINNERS

SOKRATIS PAPASTATHOPOULOS
Another attempt by a Greek football player to reach European club success has been met with failure. The national team vice-captain couldn’t make any real contribution to Arsenal’s efforts, despite the Gunners holding back Chelsea for the first half. The Blues came out determined in the second and began firing on all cylinders, leaving Papastathopoulos and his team mates with very little to do as they were annihilated 4-1. Hopefully he will be able to help the national side.

GREEK NATIONAL TEAM
Just a few short days before one of their greatest challenges against Italy for the EURO 2020 qualifiers, the Greek national team troubled many with their performance against Turkey. The Galanolefki (that was without the services of the aforementioned Papastathopoulos, but also Manolas, Donis, Zeca and Mitroglou, who all had obligations with their clubs) was constantly on the back foot with bad defensive decisions by the players. In the attacking half, Greece wasn’t able to truly scare the opposition, with Fortounis being the only real threat for the Turks. Hopefully with the additions in defence, manager Angelos Anastasiadis can right the wrongs of this game, because a similar performance against a seemingly recovered Italy could cost us dearly.