Stefanos Tsitsipas is a student of tennis — but also of the world.
The Greek often chronicles his vast travails on social media and the off-court outings keep him “grounded.”
A keen photographer, Tsitsipas shared snaps of his recent trip to Western Australia as part of the United Cup, admiring the region’s landscapes and “rich cultural history.”
When asked to name another skill he is keen to learn, Tsitsipas mentioned languages.
He already speaks Greek, English and Russian — mum Julia represented the Soviet Union in tennis.
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“It has been my dream since I was a kid to be fluent in a lot of languages,” the world No.4 told ausopen.com.
“I haven't had the opportunity to master these languages over the course of a few years because of my travelling. I tend to procrastinate.
“If I wasn't as active in tennis as I am now, I would definitely like to learn more languages and have the ability to communicate with any culture or any nation in the world. I think it's the biggest superpower.”
Any particular ones?
“I would like to master Spanish, Portuguese and Mandarin or Japanese,” said the ever-thoughtful Tsitsipas.
Tsitsipas donned a jersey with a Japanese theme in the build-up to AO 2023, which the 24-year-old said represented the “connection between sport and the ancient warrior spirit” of the Asian nation.
He has frequently demonstrated his warrior-like qualities in Melbourne, this year included.
He reached the fourth round without dropping a set.
Tsitsipas saved a combined 13 of 15 break points in three rounds, often with aggression.
He thwarted a set point in the second on Friday against Tallon Griekspoor by delivering a good first serve to set up an inside-in forehand — a shot he routinely strikes.
The set was key to the Dutchman’s hopes of upsetting Tsitsipas but the latter claimed it and won 6-2 7-6(5) 6-3 to set up a contest with Jannik Sinner at Melbourne Park for the second year running.
Although Tsitsipas’ lone Grand Slam final came at Roland-Garros in 2021, his recent record at the Australian Open shows a deeper level of consistency.
He made the semifinals in three of the last four editions, cheered heavily by Melbourne’s substantial Greek population.
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The wins have often been dramatic, including over Roger Federer in 2019 — saving all 12 break points faced — and Rafael Nadal in 2021 when he trailed by two sets.
Of the latter, he revealed: “It was a great comeback. It almost felt like a dream when I was playing.”
Winning the AO 2023 title might just speed up Tsitsipas’ potential plans of buying a place in Australia.
“It's a new beginning,” said Tsitsipas. “It's a new opportunity to come here and show some good tennis. I have been preparing very hard this pre-season to deliver something fresh for 2023.
“Australia is a great destination. I think my tennis is at a good sort of state right now. I just need to start off strong. I need to be there mentally and I think that is what it will require the most for me.”
On the subject of the mental side of tennis — so crucial in an individual sport — Tsitsipas aims to find the right balance between belief and too much of it.
“Of course, your confidence grows a lot when you win,” he said. “It tends to sort of feed your ego at the same time. So it is important to set your balance and not feel overconfident. And of course, not belittle that as well. It is important to keep a steady mind when you are on a run like this.”
If his record against Sinner is any indication, his stay in Melbourne is set to continue. Tsitsipas leads the 16th-ranked Italian 4-1, the wins all in straight sets.