Tsitsipas comments on tennis players concerns over Australian air quality

·

The reigning semifinalist at Australian Open 2020 Stefanos Tsitsipas has had deep runs in the ATP Masters 1000 tournaments, had wins over the ‘Big Three’, attained a career-high ranking of World Number five and clinched the biggest title of his career in London.

However, while practicing in Melbourne, he had problems with his lungs amid the smoky blanket around the city.

Those conditions are simply unplayable which led to collapsing of qualifiers at the Australian Open 2020.

“I was happy until I was about to land and I saw the smoke over the city. I was like, ‘What is this? The first two days here were pretty unusual…I went to practice for around one, one and a half hours. After I practice indoors, I felt really bad with my lungs. It’s getting better day by day. I had a practice session today, as well. It’s different than it was when I first came,” he said.

Tsitsipas mentioned that he is fit to begin is a venture in Melbourne but he was coughing for a while now. 

“I’m feeling okay now, but I was a bit concerned. I was coughing a lot, had trouble breathing for a couple of hours. Now it has gotten better,” he added.

The world number six is motivated to perform better in Melbourne than last year, but the toxic hazy conditions and his lung problems might create a hindrance for the reigning semifinalist. 

“Really looking forward to this new challenge that I have in front of me, to show something. You know, I have great memories from here last year, semi-finals, living the dream, playing with so much adrenaline. I really enjoy the crowd, the people’s energy here,” he said.

Tsitsipas will play Italian Salvatore Caruso tonight at 7pm AEST on Melbourne’s Margaret Court Arena.

Sourced via Essentially Sports.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Woman who confessed to killing infants moved to high-security Korydallos prison

Eirini Mourtzoukou, the 25-year-old woman who has confessed to killing at least three infants, has been transferred to Korydallos Prison.

GOCNSW youth lead heartfelt farewell to Greek Consul General in Sydney

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW hosted a special farewell reception for the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Yannis Mallikourtis.

From Athens with purpose: Reflections on the Global Summit of Hellenic Lawyers 2025

As the Global Summit of Hellenic Lawyers 2025 drew to a close, it did so against the majestic backdrop of Athens.

Honouring Cyprus’ martyrs: Melbourne remembers the sacrifice of July 9, 1821

A hierarchical memorial service was held on Sunday, July 13, at the Holy Church of the Presentation of the Theotokos in North Balwyn.

Melbourne’s Greek community pays emotional tribute to the ‘Pontian Eagle’ Peter Jasonides

On a cold Friday night, a full hall at Alphington Grammar’s Lyceum brought warmth to those gathered to honour the life of Peter Jasonides.

You May Also Like

Greek consulate of Sydney commemorates 200th Anniversary of Greek Independence with reception

With a reception hosted by the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Greeks commemorated the 200th Anniversary from the beginning of the Greek Revolution

How Greece compares with Australia on ‘flattening the curve’

It is almost impossible to compare one country's coronavirus outbreak with another, due to differences in population, urbanisation and the average age of population.

Documentary on Cypriot Australian luthier premieres at film festival in Corinth

A documentary on the Cypriot Australian luthier Harry Vatiliotis has premiered at the Bridges International Film Festival in Corinth, Greece.