Stefanos Tsitsipas in 'the zone' as he prepares for another Australian Open semifinal tilt
After a phenomenal performance against Jannik Sinner on Wednesday, Stefanos Tsitsipas feels as though he is in the zone to produce something special at the 2022 Australian Open.
The fourth seed credited his 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 defeat of the Italian in just over two hours on Rod Laver Arena to adopting a more humble approach to tennis after some setbacks.
Injuries — including the elbow problem that threatened his participation in Melbourne this year — and difficult defeats had taught him the importance of remaining grounded.
«You know when you're dancing and when you're doing well, you tend to glorify yourself, as if you are untouchable,» Tsitsipas told reporters.
«It is important, in that process, to remain on the ground and to remind yourself that you are a human being who is aiming for something great, and you're headed towards that direction and you're doing everything possible in order to achieve that greatness.
»Perfection doesn't exist, but close to perfection [does], and that's what I meant by that."
Tsitsipas's tennis in the quarterfinal was not perfect, but he did manage to leave a rival tipped to be a future major winner helpless at times.
He served particularly well, which enabled him to dictate a majority of points with his powerful forehand.
He also made his mark early in each set with a service break, converting all four opportunities on the Sinner serve, while never troubled on his own delivery.
«I feel like I'm in the zone. I have no plans of getting out of it. It's part of my game,» Tsitsipas said.
«So far it has been the most consistent and the best match I've had in the tournament.»
Tsitsipas is hoping it will be third time lucky for him in an Australian Open semifinal.
After defeating Roger Federer on the way to a