Stefanos Tsitsipas admits Rafael Nadal inflicted a ‘painful’ humiliation on him, but he’s happy he did

·

Stefanos Tsitsipas has opened up about his 2019 Australian Open defeat to Rafael Nadal, admitting it was a ‘painful’ experience.

Tsitsipas knocked Roger Federer out of the tournament already before running into Nadal, but he was soundly beaten in the semi-finals.

In fact, it went so wrong for the Greek that he was even bageled in the third set to add the final insult to the 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 defeat.

Tsitsipas, though, while happy to admit it was a painful experience, also believes it was an absolutely necessary one.

“Tough losses are important for my career as they make me want to come back stronger, and without them I feel like I’m perfect: which I’m not,” Tsitsipas told ATPTour.com on that defeat to Rafael Nadal.

“They are crucial for everyone. That semi-final loss was painful, even though it was in three sets.

“I came so close to reaching a Grand Slam final, something I have always dreamed of doing. I also didn’t deliver much in that match, he played well.

“It was a shame, as I’d played well in the two weeks. I went back to the court two days [later] and started to improve.

“You can’t hit winners and aces all of the time, but I had this let-down [last] summer.

“I was trying to get better and better, but I started to go backwards — when you put in so much work and effort, but it has the reverse effect.

“But that’s what happened, and I knew I had to loosen up and not to expect too much.

“I had to enjoy the game, and not go out to get a big lead and win. You can’t get everything perfectly done.”

Sourced via Tennis Head.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Greek music legend Dionysis Savvopoulos dies at 80

Renowned Greek singer-songwriter Dionysis Savvopoulos passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80 following cardiac arrest.

‘Compassion, community and purpose’ define the 2025 Jenny Souris Foundation Gala

The Jenny Souris Foundation Gala returned on Wednesday, 15 October 2025, with heart and purpose, drawing around 300 guests.

Thousands attend inaugural Brunswick Greek Festival

Thousands of people attended the Brunswick Greek Festival which was organised and run by the St Eleftherios Albion Street Brunswick parish.

St John’s church in Carlton hosts annual celebration for Patron Saint of police officers

The annual celebration of Saint Artemios’ feast day is one of the key events on the Victoria Hellenic Police Association (VHPA) calendar.

Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Ioannis Loverdos strengthens ties in Adelaide visit

Greece's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Greeks Abroad, Ioannis Loverdos, is visiting Adelaide, South Australia.

You May Also Like

Victims of the Greek Pontian genocide commemorated with a prayer service in Sydney

Archbishop Makarios held a prayer service at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern to commemorate the Greek Pontian genocide.

The emergence of Sydney’s Greek Market in the 1920’s – via Πανελλήνιος Κυρίκας

Although this is an early stage of the Greek community’s development, the increasing numbers of Greeks settling in Sydney is reflected in the need to satisfy social and spiritual needs

Italian authorities approve extradition of murder suspect Perry Kouroumblis to Australia

The Italian government has approved Australia's request to extradite Perry Kouroumblis - the prime suspect in the Easey Street murders.