"Biggest mistake as a top player is to think you've got it" - Stefanos Tsitsipas opens up on the perils of overconfidence, aims to stay grounded
Stefanos Tsitsipas is focused on not crossing the line between confidence and overconfidence, declaring that the biggest mistake a tennis player can make is thinking that they will always reach the deeper stages of every tournament. Tsitsipas stressed that confidence and belief in one's abilities is extremely important, but too much of it is "dangerous."
Having said that, the world No. 3 declared that staying grounded and working as hard as possible will be the key to his success this season, sharing his thoughts on the same just days after playing in the Australian Open final.
The Greek superstar finished second to now-22-time Grand Slam champion and 10-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic in last week's final in Melbourne. Despite a hectic campaign, Tsitsipas had a quick turnaround time, playing two matches for Greece in the Davis Cup this past weekend.
Sharing his thoughts on the mental aspect of tennis on the sidelines of the world team event, Tsitsipas spoke about the perils of overconfidence.
"The biggest mistake you can make as a top player is to think you've got it, that you're always going to go deep in tournaments," Stefanos Tsitsipas told Sports DNA. Having that overconfidence that gets you nowhere."
"Obviously confidence is important to be able to play good tennis, but if there is too much it can hurt you and become dangerous."
Tsitsipas, whose improvement in aspects of serve and forehand greatly contributed to his success in Melbourne, also highlighted his confidence in his own abilities as he wants to keep enhancing his skillset.
"The most important thing is to stay grounded, keep your head down and keep working, adding things to your arsenal and that's the key to success this year. I'm confident as a player, I know what I can achieve, I've proven it," the 24-year-old added.
The Greek player's loss to Djokovic in the Australian Open final ended his 10-match winning streak to start the 2023 season. Four of those wins came at the United Cup ahead of the Melbourne Grand Slam, where he beat Grigor Dimitrov, David Goffin, Borna Coric, and Matteo Berrettini.
Stefanos Tsitsipas excited for French Open 2023, likens playing on clay to "game of chess"
Looking at the road ahead this season, Stefanos Tsitsipas is most excited to play at the French Open. The Athens native called clay his favorite surface and feels excited by the challenge it poses as compared to other surfaces, likening it to a game of chess. Tsitsipas' two Masters 1000 titles have both come on the clay courts of Monte Carlo and he is also a former finalist at the French Open.
"Roland Garros remains one of my favorite Grand Slams, Melbourne has a different vibe. RG is my surface, I grew up playing in the dirt and I love playing there," Stefanos Tsitsipas said of the same.
"I like that it's like a game of chess. It is not easy, it is not beautiful like on other surfaces."
While he is excited about the clay season, he also already has one eye on the US Open, where he aims to improve his record later this year.
"I'm looking forward to the clay season, but also to the US Masters (US Open), where I haven't won many points," the Greek star added.
Putting the disappointment of his Australian Open loss behind himself in quick time, Tsitsipas returned to winning ways at the Davis Cup this past weekend, winning both his singles matches in Greece's 3-1 win over Ecuador.