Many people were surprised after learning that Stefanos Tsitsipas agreed to play the ATP500 in Halle. The announcement came just before his French Open semi-final and therefore, there were already some doubts about his participation in Germany.
Eventually, Stefanos lost the final against Novak Djokovic after an epic match. In addition, the Greek sensation received the horrible news that his beloved grandmother passed away just 5 minutes before he was hitting the court in the final.
Finally, Stefanos Tsitsipas decided not to play in Germany, where he was seeded number 2. Stefanos was also meant to play doubles with his brother Petros.
This was the official statement:
“Due to personal reason, Stefanos Tsitsipas has withdrawn from the Singles and Doubles Draw at the NOVENTI OPEN.
He will be replaced by lucky loser Yannick Hanfmann in the Singles Draw.
The team Petros Tsitsipas/Stefanos Tsitsipas will be replaced by the lucky loser team Yannick Hanfmann/Dominik Koepfer in the Doubles Draw.”
Most probably the personally reasons are the passing of Stefanos’ grandmother.
Stefanos Tsitsipas in 2021
Ranked world no.4 (career-high), the Greek played his last encounter on the 13th of June when he capitulated to world no.1 Novak Djokovic 6-7(6) 2-6 6-3 6-2 6-4 in the final of the French Open (draw).
Until now, during this year Tsitsipas has a compiled 39-9 win-loss record. Stefanos has won 2 titles in 2021 in Monte-Carlo and in Lyon. The Greek was the runner-up in Acapulco, in Barcelona and at the French Open.
