Stefanos Tsitsipas has recently confirmed that he was definitely fit to compete in the ATP finals despite injury concerns. However, his performance against Holger Rune on Tuesday ended only after 14 minutes when Stefanos was trailing 1-2.
The fans did not appreciate the move, and the Greek sensation was heavily booed by the crowd. In the following press conference, he apologized to the fans.
Apparently he was struggling with his back. This was his statement.
“My apologies to all the fans and the crowd that came to support me today and watch the match. I’m really gutted that I wasn’t able to finish the match. It’s a shame also not to give that spot to someone else to at least try and do something with it.
My doctors and the countless visits that I had in the past few days suggested that I play, gave me the green light to go and try it for myself.
“Unfortunately, I felt terrible on the court. I did what I could do in the best possible way to be ready and fit for this match, but it didn’t work out for me.
I hate retiring from matches. I’m not the kind of person that likes leaving mid-match. It kills me not to be able to finish this tournament, the one that I’ve prepped for so long, made sure that I’m completely fit to perform at my best and show my capacities as a player.”
Stefanos Tsitsipas on his retirement to Holger Rune at ATP Finals:
“My apologies to all the fans who came today.. I’m gutted that I wasn’t able to finish. It’s a shame also not to give that spot to someone else to at least try & do something with it.”
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 14, 2023
Stefanos Tsitsipas in 2023
Now ranked no.6, Tsitsipas played his last match on the 14th of November when he had to retire when playing against world no.8 Holger Rune in the round robin and the scoreline was 2-1 .
At present, during this year Stefanos has an overall 51-24 record. Stefanos clinched 1 title in Los Cabos. The Greek got to the final at the Australian Open and Barcelona.
Holger Rune in 2023
LWWWWLWWWL Ranked world no.8, Rune played his last match on the 14th of November when he had to retire when playing against world no.6 Stefanos Tsitsipas in the round robin and the scoreline was 2-1 .
At present, during this year the Dane has an overall 44-23 match record. This year, Holger conquered 1 tournament in Munich. Rune got to the final in Monte-Carlo and Rome.
Stefanos Tsitsipas and Holger Rune fought against each other 3 times. Their record is 3-0 for Rune. Previously, the last time they squared off, Holger Rune won 2-1 ret. in the round robin in Turin (Nitto ATP Finals) on the 14th of November 2023.
