How a 13-year-old Tsitsipas foreshadowed his win over Federer
After shocking the tennis world with his win over Roger Federer, Stefanos Tsitsipas said he grew up idolising the Swiss legend.
And here’s the video to prove it.
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Tsitsipas made history on Sunday night, defeating six-time champion Federer 6-7 (11-13) 7-6 (7-3) 7-5 7-6 (7-5) to advance to the quarter-finals at Melbourne Park.
Aged 20 and playing in just his second Australian Open, Tsitsipas is the first Greek tennis player – man or woman – to reach the final eight at a major.
“My idol today became my rival,” Tsitsipas said on court after the match.
And he wasn’t lying.
Video has since emerged on social media showing a 13-year-old Tsitsipas professing his love for Federer, and speaking about his plans to conquer the tennis world.
Stefanos Tsitsipas, 13 years old:
“Favorite idol?”
– Roger Federer
“Where do you see yourself in ten years?”
– I don’t know, but I will do my best to be in the top. pic.twitter.com/Ho4xmuBHYl
— Alex Theodoridis (@AlexTheodorid1s) January 20, 2019
And seven years later, things haven’t changed.
“This win is a good milestone, let’s say a good first step, to something bigger,” he said.
“I do feel like my game is pretty good at the moment. I feel confident. That’s very important.
“I’m really pumped and excited to be competing in the quarter-finals two days from now. I’m really waiting for that moment.”
The 14th seed will now face Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut on Tuesday and could meet Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals.
Changing of the guard?
Retired great John McEnroe said the win could represent a changing of the guard following years of domination for Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic – a suggestion quickly dismissed by 20-time grand slam champion Federer.
“He’s in front of the mic a lot. He’s always going to say stuff,” Federer said.
“I love John. I’ve heard that story the last 10 years – from that standpoint, nothing new there.
“About Stefanos, I think he’s definitely done a really nice job now the last year and a half. I mean before that, too, obviously. But beating Novak in Toronto, the likes of (Kevin) Anderson and (Alexander) Zverev, now me here – that’s what you need to do to get to the next level.
“It’s really nice for him. I see him definitely being high up in the game for a long time. That was a good night for him tonight.”
with AAP