Most players use their post-match interviews to reflect on their performances and reveal their expectations for the next match. After Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Daniel Evans this week in the semifinals of the Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships, he went into his press conference expecting a normal interaction with sports journalists. However, the Greek player was surprised after he saw his mother, Julia Salnikova in the media room seated among the journalists.
Tsitsipas had said that his mother is controlling
Earlier in the week, Tsitsipas had given an interview saying that his mother was too involved in his career. “Sometimes I feel like my mom and dad are way too involved in my life outside and inside the tennis court.” The Greek player’s comments came back to haunt him. Julia decided to make an appearance at her son’s press conference and interrogate him. The two had a funny exchange.
Stefanos Tsitsipas earlier this week in a press conference in Dubai: "Sometimes I feel like my mom and dad are way too involved in my life outside and inside the tennis court."
Stefanos Tsitsipas today: questioned by his mother during his press conference. https://t.co/lQJog1E6Mg
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) February 28, 2020
The funny exchange between Tsitsipas and his mother
Julia: “I’m following you to the press conference to make sure I’m aware of how you feel, what are your statements?”
Tsitsipas: “Did she read the statements I said a few days ago? That’s why she’s here.”
Julia: “I don’t spend so much time with you. This is my chance. What I want to ask you is, I’m not sure you are really so much aware of the number of these great tennis players followed by the parents.”
Tsitsipas: “Actually you’re a journalist, right? True, verified.”
Julia: “The question is, are you really aware of the number of great tennis players that were helped and followed by the parents on the ATP Tour?”
Tsitsipas: “I want to know male players with Grand Slam titles, Top 5”
Julia: “Maybe you can be the first one.”
Tsitsipas: Okay, good.
Tsitispas will face Djokovic in the Dubai Championships final
The Greek player seemed to enjoy the exchange with his mother. He has a special relationship with his parents and has credited them with the success he has had in his career. The world number six will now shift his attention to the Dubai Championships final where he will face Novak Djokovic. The Serbian has been in great form this season, guiding his country to victory in the inaugural ATP Cup, and winning the Australian Open. Tsitsipas has fared well against Djokovic in his career. The two have an even 2-2 record in matches they have played against each other. Their last meeting was at the Paris Masters last year. Djokovic defeated Tsitsipas in the quarterfinals.
Tsitsipas in Dubai, ranking, and results in 2020
Now ranked no.6, Stefanos has a 11-4 win-loss record in 2020. The Greek is currently having a run in Dubai where he toppled Pablo Carreno-Busta 7-61 6-1, Alexander Bublik 7-61 6-4, Jan-Lennard Struff 4-6 6-4 6-4 and Daniel Evans 6-2 6-3.
Stefanos Tsitsipas will face Djokovic in the final. The head to head is 2-2.
Stefanos has won 1 title in 2020 in Marseille.
Tsitsipas won 5 titles in his career: 1 on clay courts and 4 on indoor courts. (See the list of his titles)
Stefanos Tsitsipas |
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