Why Stefanos Tsitsipas can be as popular as Roger Federer. HANTUCHOVA

Stefanos Tsitsipas surprised many when winning the ATP Finals at just 21 years of age after beating the likes of Roger Federer on the way. However, the Greek sensation didn’t impress “only” for conquering the title, but also for how he did. Stefanos showed outstanding mental toughness, and the backing of the local crowd in London was outstanding (and not only the Greek fans).

What was really impressing was that even if Tsitsipas was opposed to a rather popular and beloved player such as Dominic Thiem during the last moments of the decisive tiebreak of the final, the crowd was chanting and supporting Tsitsipas. This reminded the support that the great Roger Federer receives all over the world.

It was interesting to notice that when Stefanos was playing with Roger the doubles at the Laver Cup (and in Switzerland!), the crowd was similarly chanting his name.

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 About Stefanos Tsitsipas becoming a superstar

Former world no.5 and tennis pundit Daniela Hantuchova explained why she thinks that Stefanos can be as popular as Roger to comment:

“Energy-wise in the last few moments you could hear everybody screaming Stefanos’ name. This is where we are; we are witnessing something incredibly special. In a few years’ time, he might be getting the same ovation as Roger Federer is getting whichever arena he enters in the world. People are starting to feel the same about Stefanos because there is something special about this guy.”

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Stefanos Tsitsipas’s ranking and performance in 2019

Ranked no.6, the Greek played his last match on the 17^th of November when he defeated Dominic Thiem 6-7⁶ 6-2 7-6⁴ in the final in London to win his 4^th career title.

This year the Greek has a 53-25 win-loss record. The Greek clinched 3 titles in 2019 in Marseille, in Estoril and in London. The Greek was the finalist in Dubai, in Madrid and in Beijing.

Roger Federer’s ranking and performance in 2019

Ranked no.3, Roger played his last match on the 16^th of November when he capitulated to Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3 6-4 in the semifinal in London.

This year Federer has a 51-10 win-loss record. Federer has won 4 titles in 2019 in Dubai, in Miami, in Halle and in Basel. The Swiss was the finalist in Indian Wells and in Wimbledon.

Stefanos Tsitsipas and Roger Federer played each other 5 times. The head to head is 3-2 for Federer.

The last time that they played, Stefanos Tsitsipas won 6-3 6-4 in the semifinal in Nitto Atp Finals on the 16^th November 2019.

Here the highlights.