With the Paris 2024 Olympics fast approaching, excitement is building among tennis fans and players alike. Here’s how Greek star and Monaco resident Stefanos Tsitsipas plans on bringing home a medal and achieving Olympic glory.
The Summer Olympic Games, a monumental international multi-sport event held once every four years, has a special place in the hearts of sports enthusiasts worldwide. The previous edition was held in 2021 (postponed from 2020) in Tokyo, Japan, and the upcoming Olympics will commence in just a few days in Paris.
41 countries will participate in the Paris 2024 Olympic tennis event, with 184 players registered to compete across five events (men’s and women’s singles and doubles plus mixed doubles). The limit is four singles players per gender per country. The top ATP 12 ranked players competing in the Olympics are Jannik Sinner (Italy), Carlos Alcaraz (Spain), Novak Djokovic (Serbia), Alexander Zverev (Germany), Daniil Medvedev (Russia), Alex De Minaur (Australia), Hubert Hurkacz (Poland), Casper Ruud (Norway), Taylor Fritz (USA) and Stefanos Tsitsipas (Greece).
The 25-year-old Greek national Stefanos Tsitsipas, a Monaco resident, is leaving no stone unturned in his preparation for the upcoming Games. His unwavering determination to be in peak physical and mental condition is a source of inspiration as he strives to bring home an Olympic medal for his country and also secure a Grand Slam title.
“Greece and the Olympic Games definitely go together like bread and butter, and it has been a dream of mine since I first picked up a tennis racket to compete,” says Tsitsipas. “I have always wanted to be an athlete who gets to participate in something like that.”
His aspiration to bring pride to Greece through his performance at the Olympics is sure to evoke a sense of national pride among his fellow Greeks.
El Greco, a nickname that Tsitsipas would like to be referred to in the international headlines, had a career-high of ATP 3 and is currently ranked 12. He has some of the biggest titles in tennis under his belt, having won the ATP World Tour Finals and the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters. He is also a two-time Grand Slam Finalist (French Open 2021 and Australian Open 2023).
Mens sans in corpore sano (a healthy mind in a healthy body)
They say Olympians are born with a particular set of physiological gifts, but their commitment to their sport is the most important; it is the rigour with which they train to be physically and mentally fit to go against all odds.
See more: Exclusive Interview: Getting to know tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas
“Preparing well before the Games begin is something I’m looking forward to,” Tsitsipas tells Monaco Life. “I had great success there a few years ago at the same stadium, playing in the finals of the Roland-Garros. Returning there with this confidence and reliving the moment at the back of my mind allows me to strive and work towards the same goal that I ended up achieving during the amazing run that I had a few years ago.”
Tsitsipas was eliminated by Frenchman Hugo Humbert in the 8th finals of the Tokyo Games in 2021, but he is determined to succeed this time around. His recipe for success in Paris is straightforward: “My strategy is to ensure my body is in the best possible condition and shape. It is about eating well, sleeping well and exercising regularly. Stretching is important for me, too. All these elements contribute to my well-being. I will also get more focused because I want a healthy mind and body, and I will be out on the court to perform at the highest levels.”
Tsitsipas’s mental fortitude is a force to be reckoned with. It has propelled him to success and placed him among the top tennis players in the world. He says he feels fit and ready to tackle the high demands of the fierce Olympic competition.
As Tsitsipas himself acknowledges, his mental fortitude is a significant factor in his success. His ability to handle tough situations, matches and high-pressure moments has not only defined him as an athlete but also propelled him to a great position in the tennis world. His commitment sets the stage for an exciting competition among the world’s best ranked players.
“Of course, aiming for a medal is something extraordinary,” he says. “For me, that’s the best gift that you can give to yourself, and it’s something that will live with you for the rest of your life.”
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Main photo: Stefanos Tsitsipas at the MCC, July 2024 ©Red Bull Content Pool