“A matter of figuring out how to find balance, mentally foremost,” Novak Djokovic’s message to Stefanos Tsitsipas amidst Greek star’s struggles

Novak Djokovic believes that Stefanos Tsitsipas can overcome his recent struggles by finding the right balance, especially mentally.

“A matter of figuring out how to find balance, mentally foremost,” Novak Djokovic’s message to Stefanos Tsitsipas amidst Greek star’s struggles

Novak Djokovic (L) Stefanos Tsitsipas (R) (Via Imago)

Amidst his struggle to find form this season, Stefanos Tsitsipas has received a huge vote of confidence from Novak Djokovic. The Serbian praised the Greek star’s ability and expressed sadness over his unavailability for the Davis Cup clash between the two countries.

Tsitsipas’ only title this year came in Monte-Carlo, with a runner-up finish in Barcelona being his other good result all season. For the rest of the season, he has not been able to play at his best, registering a 36-17 win-loss record to date.

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Tsitsipas was last seen in action at the US Open, where lost 7-6(5), 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 to World No. 78 Thanasi Kokkinakis in the first round. He recently picked up an injury that saw him withdraw from the Davis Cup, where Greece and Serbian are going head-to-head.

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At a press conference on the sidelines of the international event, Djokovic gave his thoughts on Tsitsipas’ struggles when asked to comment on it. He said the 26-year-old was as talented as any player on the tour and that he just needed to find balance, especially mentally.

I don't think that the game wise he's far behind the top players, I think he possesses a game to really be an established, you know, top five player. And he has proven that in many occasions in the previous years he is one… Again Monte-Carlo this year, which is a 1000 events. It's just a matter of him figuring out how to find a balance, mentally foremost.
Novak Djokovic said

Tsitsipas will be hoping to make a quick recovery and return to action soon. He is scheduled to take part in the Japan Open next, with the event set to commence on September 25.

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Novak Djokovic backs Stefanos Tsitsipas to win Grand Slam titles

Novak Djokovic also opined that Stefanos Tsitsipas had the quality to be a Grand Slam winner and recalled how the Greek player twice lost to him in Major finals. Djokovic beat Tsitsipas to the title at the 2021 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open.

Stefanos Tsitsipas
Stefanos Tsitsipas (Image via X)

At the 2021 French Open, Djokovic came from two sets down to beat Tsitsipas 6(6)-7, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 and clinch the title. The former World No. 1 had an easier time against Tsitsipas two years later in Melbourne, beating him 6-3, 7-6(4), 7-6(5) to take home the Australian Open title. 

And I mean, I don't know the nature of these issues of what he's going through but I think that he possesses a potential quality to be a Grand Slam winner. He played a couple of Grand Slam finals already, actually against me both at times. So yeah, I wish him all the best. It's a pity that he's not here. Also Serbian crowd was excited to see Tsitsipas live.
Novak Djokovic opined
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In Tsitsipas’ absence, Djokovic has had an easy time against Greece in the Davis Cup. On Saturday (September 14), he needed just 38 minutes to beat World No. 770 Ioannis Xilas 6-0, 6-1. Earlier, Miomir Kecmanovic beat Aristotelis Thanos 6-3, 6-3, giving Serbia a 2-0 lead in the tie.