Stefanos Tsitsipas has just ended a rather tough season that didn’t see him shining as he was hoping for at the beginning of the year. The Greek sensation admitted that he was struggling a lot from a psychological point of view to cope with the darkness brought by the pandemic.
Unfortunately, the Greek sensation had to deal also with the painful loss of a dear friend Bernard Frances that was running an Academy in Marbella with his brother Frank.
This was Stefanos’ post.
“Dear Bernard,
I would like ïo start this by saying that I couldn’t sleep last night thinking about you, and the created memories that we have formed together over the years of knowing each other. It has been many weeks since your passing and it is very difficult to wrap my head around it. It makes it tougher to digest every single day. I always remember how much you cared about me, I always felt it when I was next to you. Living life with passion and affection. Always striving for the very best of things regardless of the situation you were faced with. That’s what made you stand out.
Those unforgettable moments we had in Madrid and Marbella will remain forever engraved in the back of my head. You brought a lot of joy and affinity, not just to me, but the people around me. You are the definition of a great human being Bernard. It can’t be taken away from you. You have earned it over the years. You have proved yourself. You have the respect of all the people that I know.
I loved hearing all of your stories in Brazil and around Europe. They always made me laugh and see the bright side of life.
Tennis was your playground. It was your only child. The ideas that you had to offer to our sport, your creativity and eagerness to learn were redeemed plenty of times during your career as a coach and friend.
My goal is to wake up with a smile every day, and think of all the positives that you have brought into my life. It is truly a short but memorable voyage that we have had the opportunity to sail.
Nothing is more painful in this world than losing someone you love so dearly. I have always thought this life is so beautiful but I didn’t know someday it would be this much cruel to me. I wish I could bring you back to life.
Rest in peace!”
Stefanos Tsitsipas in 2020
Now the world no.6, Tsitsipas played his last match on the 19th of November when he was overcome by Rafael Nadal 6-4 4-6 6-2 in the round robin in the Nitto ATP Finals (draw).
This season Tsitsipas has 27-14 match record. The Greek has won 1 title in Marseille. Stefanos was the runner-up in Dubai and in Hamburg.
