WATCH: Stefanos Tsitsipas breaks his racket into half as he loses a game to Jan-Lennard Struff at Italian Open

The Greek ace spoke about feeling lost after the match.

WATCH: Stefanos Tsitsipas breaks his racket into half as he loses a game to Jan-Lennard Struff at Italian Open

Stefanos Tsitsipas break his racket at 2024 Italian Open (Image via Imago)

Greek tennis ace Stefanos Tsitsipas completely lost his cool during his second-round match against Jan-Lennard Struff at the 2024 Italian Open. As Tsitsipas lost a game early in the opening set, he was infuriated and started smashing his racket until it was almost broken into two halves.

The 25-year-old was furious about being broken in the opening game of his clash with Jan-Lennard Struff. The Greek star lost on deuce after his defense of Struff’s forehand landed out. Tsitsipas then turned to the advertising board that was holding his towel and unleashed a few blows.

YouTube video

He smashed the board so hard that it fell to the ground. The Greek did not stop there and continued to smash his racket until it got stuck in the advertising board. When Tsitsipas pulled the racket out, it was almost broken into two halves.

FS Video

Tsitsipas eventually lost the opening set in the tiebreaker as Struff raced away to seven points in no time. The 26-year-old could win only one game in the tiebreaker and was left disappointed.

Stefanos Tsitsipas comes back from a set down to win his first match at Italian Open

Stefanos Tsitsipas was disappointed after conceding the opening set. However, he did not let his disappointment creep into the next two sets as the Greek ace won them to progress to the third round. He won the next two sets 6-4 to clinch the victory over Jan-Lennard Struff.

Stefanos Tsitsipas
Stefanos Tsitsipas (Via Imago)

Tsitsipas spoke about his clouded mind after the win. He claimed that he felt lost on the court and it was a first-of-a-kind for him. The 25-year-old said that it was unbelievable for him to win the match after being in such a mental space.

I didn’t really know what I was out on the court until mid second set. I felt really lost out there. I don’t think I felt this way in a long time. It felt like I couldn’t sink in with the ball. Everything felt odd in terms of getting the depth I wanted. I managed to figure out a way to make it work for me. It was really difficult dealing with emotions like this. I don’t think I’ve had a match in my life where so many negative emotions overtook me. I kind of felt in a weird, tricky situation. I didn’t expect that comeback & that win in the end.
Stefanos Tsitsipas said after his win over Jan-Lennard Struff. (H/T: Daily Express)

Notably, Tsitsipas will next face Cameron Norrie in the third round. The Greek is going through a good run of form of clay, having made it to two finals in three Masters tournaments. Tsitsipas will hope to go the distance in Rome as well.

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