‘I tried my best, hope one day have half of what he achieved,’ Stefanos Tsitsipas breaks down after his loss to Novak Djokovic at the 2021 French Open

‘I tried my best, hope one day have half of what he achieved,’ Stefanos Tsitsipas breaks down after his loss to Novak Djokovic at the 2021 French Open

Stefanos Tsitsipas with the runners-up trophy at the 2021 French Open

Novak Djokovic created history by becoming the first man ever to complete the career grand slam twice in the open era after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the 2021 French Open final. But it is always glory for one, and heartbreak for the other. And this time it was heartbreak for the 22-year old Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas who gave everything on the tennis court.

Tsitsipas was the better player in the final for the first two sets but sadly, ended up on the losing side. It is said that tennis is a sport of fine margins and unfortunately, those margins weren’t in his favor today. He won the first two sets 7-6, 6-2 but lost fell prey to Djokovic‘s masterclass in the last three sets.

Tsitsipas was visibly emotional after his loss. He couldn’t hold back his tears during the trophy presentation ceremony.

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He said: “It’s not easy. Big fight our there. I tried my best… First time in a final. I had a good run and I’m happy with myself. Novak is a great champion. I am so much inspired by him. I hope one day have half of what he achieved.”

‘This is a long and difficult journey’: Stefanos Tsitsipas

Stefanos Tsitsipas
Stefanos Tsitsipas

Tsitsipas was bidding to be the first Greek to win a grand slam title after becoming the first Greek to reach a Major final. And he was just a set away from creating history. A teary eyed Tsitsipas thanked the crowd for supporting him and assured them of putting a show next year.

“I’d like to thank the Greek fans and my team who are constantly behind me, for my dreams. This is a long and difficult journey. Thank you Roland Garros for those two memorable weeks. I hope I’ll be back next year and put up a good show again,” he concluded.

The Greek will now rise to a career high of No.4 in the new ATP rankings, replacing Dominic Thiem. He will want to soak up all emotions and gear up for the upcoming grass season. He will again hit the court next week at Halle where he goes in as the second seed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOeI543MW-8

Also read: The Comeback King! Novak Djokovic creates history and beats Stefanos Tsitsipas to lift his 19th Grand Slam title