Stefanos Tsitsipas has always stated that the Australian Open is a very special tournament for him. Indeed, that was the slam where he won his first unforgettable match against Roger Federer in 2019 and he has already reached 2 semifinals in Melbourne. In addition, Tsitsipas also has the luxury of having the full support of the huge local Greek community.
Tsitsipas about his grandfather
During a recent interview with et Greek outlet DownTown, Tsitsipas revealed that Melbourne is also important for him for a very special reason. In 1956 his maternal grandfather, Sergei Salnikov (a footballer), won the gold Olympic medal at the football arena that is just next to Melbourne Park. Unfortunately, Stefanos has never met Sergei as he died when he was quite young. However, Tsitsipas dedicates every match that he plays at the Australian Open to him.
“For me, winning the Australian Open would mean everything, mainly because my grandfather won the Olympic medal in 1956 in Melbourne at the football arena that’s 50 meters from Melbourne Park. Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to meet him, he passed away at a young age. I wish I had the chance to talk to him! Every match I play there I dedicate to him and, honestly, it pushes me to want to show something more and play well in Melbourne,” said Tsitsipas.
Stefanos is currently in Marseille where he will try to defend his title. He won the tournament in 2019 and 2020. The world no.5 will also partner with his brother Petros in doubles.
Stefanos Tsitsipas in 2021
Ranked world no.5 (career-high), the Greek played his last match on the 6th of March when he surrendered to Andrey Rublev 6-3 7-6(2) in the semifinal in Rotterdam (draw).
At present, during this year the Greek has achieved a compiled 9-2 match record. Stefanos Tsitsipas’s best achievement of the current season was getting to the semifinal at the Australian Open and Rotterdam.
