Tsitsipas to follow In Sampras’ footsteps in journey to become Greek tennis inspiration

·

The 2019 season will always be one to remember for Nitto ATP Finals champion Stefanos Tsitsipas, and not just because of his success on the court.

Tsitsipas met his idol, former World No. 1 Pete Sampras, for the first time at Indian Wells. The Greek and his family got to briefly chat with Sampras, an American of Greek origin with whom he happens to share a birthday.

“That (dreaming) face you make when you meet the first guy that you’ve ever watched play tennis on TV. The person that made you want to go out at the tennis courts in the beach, made you dream about playing on all of the big stages and arenas around the world, winning trophies and titles, becoming an inspiration for others,” Tsitsipas wrote on Instagram. “Despite being at the end of his career, my childhood was filled with @petesamprasofficial matches and battles that I will never forget. This person has given me courage and eagerness to pursue my dream. A dream that felt insanely difficult to reach.

“It’s an honour to be standing next to you Pete. Thank you for filling my childhood with enthusiasm, hope, hard work ethic and… for me to play tennis in the first place. You are an inspiration up to this day, and I hope and inspiration for many generations to come.”

Sampras may have played under the United States flag, but he inspired Greek children like Tsitsipas. Stefanos’ brother, Petros Tsitsipas — who will help Stefanos lead Team Greece in the inaugural ATP Cup next month — is named after Sampras, according to an Instagram post.

With Tsitsipas’ increasing success — he just lifted the biggest title of his career at the Nitto ATP Finals — there will be plenty of people inspired to try to follow in his footsteps. That doesn’t add pressure for the Greek, though. It makes him even more excited for his journey to come.

“It’s very motivating to be the one who can create history in Greece and have kids look up to me later. They, like my parents did after my early losses, can be the ones chasing after me and shouting my name. I can inspire them and be the leader of tennis in Greece,” Tsitsipas said to the ATP.

Top 10 Greek Players In History By ATP Ranking

Player   Career-High
 Stefanos Tsitsipas  No. 5
 Nicholas Kalogeropoulos  No. 108
 Konstantinos Economidis  No. 112
 Vasilis Mazarakis  No. 115
 Solon Peppas  No. 149
 George Kalovelonis  No. 208
 Nicolas Kelaidis  No. 244
 Theodoros Angelinos  No. 251
 Taso Vasiliadis  No. 365
 Arthur Anastopoulo  No. 376

One player who Tsitsipas has motivated is Greek No. 2 Michail Pervolarakis, who will be the country’s second singles player when Greece faces Russia, the United States and Norway in Brisbane in Group D action.

“He’s a really nice guy, so overall it’s just an amazing experience being with him. We talk sometimes. I actually just had a baby, I send him pictures of my baby sometimes,” Pervolarakis told ATPTour.com. “[He has] a very big impact [in Greece]. Everyone now is watching tennis in the most random places. Instead of soccer or basketball they’re watching tennis and the [Nitto] ATP Finals or Grand Slams. I think those kids want to play and connect with Stefanos. They want to start and see what the sport is all about. It’s just becoming bigger in general as a sport.”

Tsitsipas has already competed under the spotlight against the world’s best. But the Greek knows the inaugural ATP Cup provides a special chance for him to not just play against the best players in the world, but to do it for his country.

“We all have something extra inside of ourselves,” Tsitsipas said. “We’re playing for the country, which makes it very important for us.”

Sourced by: ATP Tour

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Canberra event bridges Greek and Indian cultures through Homer’s epics

A thought-provoking lecture exploring the Indian perspective of truth and beauty in Homer’s epics was held on Tuesday, May 27.

Anthony Pantazopoulos to play in Subway Australian U23 squad for Korea Republic fixtures

Subway Australian U23s Head Coach, Tony Vidmar has selected a 23-player squad for a series of fixtures with Korea Republic.

Cr Steve Stefanopoulos hits back at ‘animal killer’ claims as Save-A-Dog scheme saved

Stonnington Councillor Steve Stefanopoulos OAM has strongly defended the council and his fellow councillors during a heated meeting.

Youthful Saints prove they can match up with league’s best despite Canberra loss

On the back of a horrible defeat in their return home in round 8, the St George Saints Mens White team went back on the road last weekend.

Coronial inquest into aged care deaths begins in Victoria after death of Michael Karonias

A coronial inquest is underway in Victoria to examine the deaths of eight elderly aged care residents, including Michael Karonias.

You May Also Like

Alexander Epakis named Perth Glory’s new Westfield W-League Head Coach

Perth Glory announced on Friday the appointment of Alexander Epakis as the club's new Westfield W-League Head Coach.

Greece announces expansion plans for wall along the border with Turkey

Greece has announced its plan to expand the wall along the country’s border with Turkey by three times its length.

The Greek story behind Sydney’s famous Queen’s Pastri and its French pastries

That first bite of Patricia Kafarakis' famous Gluten Free Lemon Cake will melt in your mouth like no other dessert.