Australian Open: Stefanos Tsitsipas shares lesson in humility after storming into semi-final
- Seb Sternik
- 26 January 2022
World number four Stefanos Tsitsipas underlined the importance of keeping his feet on the ground after breezing past Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open quarter-final.
Tsitsipas is now just two matches away from his first Grand Slam title after obliterating his Italian opponent in less than two hours.
The 23-year-old dropped just nine games as he powered to an impressive 6-3 6-4 6-2 victory.
Speaking after the match, Tsitsipas said: "It was a great performance from start to finish, done with a clear gameplan. So far it has been the most consistent and the best match I've had in the tournament."
"I feel like I'm in the zone. I have no plans in getting out of it. It's part of my game."
He added: "I think my humility helped a lot today.
"I knew I was going on the court facing a very good player so I stayed intact. I tried to focus on my best shots and it paid off more than I thought.
"I'm very happy with the way I served today and the way I tried to come in and use my tactics a lot in today's match strategy."
In the post-match press conference, Tsitsipas provided a fascinating insight into his philosophy of humbleness.
He said: "You know, when you're dancing and you're doing well, you tend to glorify yourself as if you are untouchable.
"It is important in that process to remain on the ground and to remind yourself that you're a human being who is aiming for something great… and you're heading towards that direction, and doing everything possible in order to achieve that greatness. Perfection doesn't exist, but close to perfection.
"My injuries have taught me a lot of things. My injuries have taught me how to wait and be patient. Prepare better and take the time to reflect and take the time to reconsider certain things in life.
"Being in the position of privilege, in a position where you get to have a great set up where you can go back and practise every single day and have people that work with you and have people that care for you.
"It's something that is underestimated. Humility stems from your everyday life. Not thinking of yourself as… not considering yourself over others because we're all equal."
The Greek tennis star will take on Daniil Medvedev in Friday's semi-final.
