Spiro Christopoulos, a presenter for 2GB radio in Sydney, interviewed Stefanos Tsitsipas at the United Cup media day on Friday at Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre.
“It was an excellent, candid conversation which I managed to capture,” Christopoulos told Neos Kosmos.
“We spoke about everything from representing Greece, the support in Australia, his family, his relationship with Paula Badosa and the best Greek eatery in Sydney.”
Having just arrived to Australia on Thursday evening from Abu Dhabi, where he spent quality time with his family celebrating, a jet-lagged Stefanos said that it is refreshing to be back to his “second home away from home” experiencing immense support from his fans. “We’ve got so many Greeks here, it feels like I’m home.
“In the last couple of years, especially in the very first year when I came in 2016, I felt so welcomed and immersed in the beautiful traditional society of the Greeks,” he added.
“Here, there is a very proud, strong, and bold connection that these people share. It makes me very proud of where I come from. I truly feel lucky to be Greek. Whenever I’m in Australia, there are strong emotions flowing through. I mean, I can’t complain about anything. Things are so great in Australia; it’s the happiest time for a reason, and I feel every single year that I come here, very connected and and very good about myself.”
In terms of his goals for this year’s tournament, he shared his excitement for it feeling like a family affair, given that he is competing with his brother supported by his father and coach, Apostolos.
Stefanos and Petros Tsitsipas are poised to take center stage in the men’s doubles at the Australian Open, directly entering the main draw as the 32nd-ranked pair. This marks their sixth consecutive appearance in a Grand Slam tournament, with aspirations to climb higher in the global rankings. Having secured their maiden Grand Slam victory last year in Melbourne and reaching the second round, narrowly missing out to Khachanov and Skupski, the brothers are ready for their third appearance as a pair in the Australian Open.
“It’s a blessing to have my father and my brother be part of the team. My brother is one of the most important figures in the team. He’s our captain and he has a lot of wisdom that he carries with him on the tennis court. That is also the reason I decided to place him as a captain because he definitely deserves that spot. I wouldn’t do it otherwise. We have our father who has been coaching us for so many years. He’s a very experienced coach at the highest level of tennis. We bring a lot of emotions out within our family and there’s just a lot of support from everyone. There’s a lot of love, there’s a lot of caring and you know these things are not never underestimated because it’s these things are required for, for us to feel sane. To to feel good when we are on the tennis court, but also outside of it.”
The Greek tennis star can’t wait to get back on the court for the second edition of the United Cup, to “represent his people”, those on his team and all his fans, explaining that he has healed physically and is even more determined coming from a defeat.
“There were some fluctuations, which are normal for any athlete, but maintaining a positive mindset is crucial. I’ve taken the necessary steps to be in prime form, and my commitment is unwavering.”
In addition to the doubles event, Stefanos Tsitsipas is set to participate in the singles, and there’s even the possibility of him teaming up with Paula Badosa in the mixed doubles.
Stefanos Tsitsipas has reached out to his compatriots in Australia, encouraging support for Paula Badosa’s comeback.
“It was a pivotal part of my year, bringing joy and confidence into my daily life. Paula is indispensable support, and our mutual encouragement is reciprocal. She’s my No. 1 fan, and I am hers,” he conveyed.
Concluding with a plea to the Greek community, he said, “I would like to see Greeks supporting her. With a smaller Spanish community in Australia, if you spot Paula, be sure to lend her your support and extend the same love you show me.”
At the end of the candid interview, Christopoulos gifted Tsitsipas a Vasilopita and a baklava to sweeten his entry into 2024 and make it feel a little more like home.
