Stefanos Tsitsipas: It feels like I was here just yesterday

Stefanos Tsitsipas, who is only 24, is already participating in his seventh ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam this week. It's not like he is part of the furniture at an event that has existed for 50 years. On the contrary, he feels like a child at home here. Greece's top tennis player, world number 3 and first-seed in Ahoy, is surprised himself :  "Seventh time already?  Well, that's more than I thought,’ he says.  'It certainly feels like yesterday when I walk through the halls and on Centre Court.  I feel like was here just last week.  This is where it all started for me as a tennis pro.”

The city itself also matters to Tsitsipas. Last year's finalist in Ahoy admits : ' I'm bad with street names, but I enjoy everything Rotterdam has to offer. Hopefully, this time I will also stay until the end. In any case, I know where I can find a nice Greek restaurant here to celebrate properly,’ he continues with a big smile on his face. 'The only thing I miss a bit here is the sun. This for sure would make it even nicer. Maybe this tournament should be held a few months later in the year, just an indoor tournament in the summer. That would be perfect !'

When addressing the more serious issue of competing here, he declares : ' I experienced my first victory in doubles with my brother Petros here on Centre Court. And my place in the final last year was also sort of breakthrough for me’. Today Tsitsipas plays the first match on Centre Court again with his younger brother at his side. 'I really appreciate that the organisation is giving us that opportunity again’ he says between smiles and laughs.

If there was any disappointment after his loss in the final of the Australian Open against Novak Djokovic, it is no longer noticeable at Ahoy for Greece’s tennis god.  'I feel rejuvenated on court’ he says.  'It has been a long journey, with a lot of hard work every year, and sometimes a great deal of stress. But now I feel really happy on the court, no matter who I'm playing against.  This week, I am the number one seed, and this sends a pretty good signal. Looking at all those young upcoming players also stimulates me. My last tennis event, after the Australian Open, was the Davis Cup at home. There were 12,500 ecstatic Greeks watching. I really see it as a huge privilege that I got to play in front of them.”

He then points at the names of ABN AMRO Open winners hanging on the banners in Ahoy arena : 'As a tennis player, I want to push my boundaries and push them. Break records. This week I can do that by getting my name on that board there.  If I can do that, I'll be a very happy man.’