"2 sets don't mean anything, that is what I learned" - Stefanos Tsitsipas on Novak Djokovic's comeback in RG final
Stefanos Tsitsipas put up an admirable fight in his maiden Grand Slam final at Roland Garros on Sunday, but ultimately fell to Novak Djokovic in five sets.
The Greek began the final exceedingly well, winning the first two sets. The 22-year-old didn't seem overawed by the occasion in the slightest, and looked in complete control for the first hour and a half.
A reeling Novak Djokovic then took a bathroom break after the second set, and at that point many wondered whether he had enough in the tank to mount a comeback. But when he returned for the third, Djokovic seemed back to his best.
The Serb secured an early break in the third set and didn't look back. Although Stefanos Tsitsipas kept fighting gamely, he was outthought and outplayed in the last three sets.
Speaking to the media after the match, Tsitsipas admitted that he didn't expect Djokovic to raise his level to such an extent. He also pointed out that a two sets to love lead means nothing if you don't build on it and finish the job.
"He left the court after two sets to love down, I don't know what happened there, but he came back like a different player suddenly," Stefanos Tsitsipas said. "I don't know. I have no idea. He played really well."
"He just gave me no space," he added. "He moved better, he felt fresher than before. He could read my game a bit better suddenly. Two sets don’t mean anything, that is what I learned."
Stefanos Tsitsipas confident he can soon win his maiden Grand Slam
While Stefanos Tsitsipas couldn't get his hands on the trophy, he still played impressive tennis in Paris this past fortnight. The Greek beat Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev en route to the final, underlining his credentials as a Grand Slam contender.
Stefanos Tsitsipas is also second in the Race to Turin. Given his performances this year, it's no surprise that the 22-year-old believes his time at the top will soon arrive.
"Despite my loss today, I have faith in my game. I very much believe I can be a Grand Slam champion soon," Tsitsipas said. "With the same attitude, there is no reason for me not to be holding that trophy one day."