Tsitsipas: 'We'll Have A Huge Army Backing Us' At Favourite Event

Stefanos Tsitsipas is looking forward to competing at his favourite tournament, the ATP Cup, which begins on Tuesday.

“This honestly is my favourite event,” said Tsitsipas on Sunday. “I feel that [we've been] given a very good opportunity... able to compete with all the boys that I've known for so long. It unites us, it gives us the opportunity to play for something more special. To feel proud when we're out on the court playing tennis.”

Greece has been drawn in Group B at the 2021 ATP Cup alongside last year’s finalist Spain and host nation Australia. Captain Apostolos Tsitsipas is working hard in Melbourne to prepare his two sons, World No. 6 Stefanos and Petros Tsitsipas alongside Michail Pervolarakis and Markos Kalovelonis.

Looking ahead to Greece’s first tie against Australia, Stefanos Tsitsipas admitted he has found facing Alex de Minaur, the recent Antalya Open titlist (d. Bublik), a tough proposition.

“I always had big fights against him,” said Tsitsipas, who has an 3-0 ATP Head2Head record against De Minaur. “He has improved a lot since recent years, so he's coming from a very good run that he had in Antalya a few weeks ago. He looks like he's playing well. I need to be prepared well for that battle. He's covering the court really well. His speed is something tremendous. He can run and get balls out of nowhere. That's what makes him very dangerous.”

But the 23-year-old Tsitsipas knows that the Greek community in Melbourne will turn out in force, cheering just as loud as the supporters of the host nation. Last year, Australia defeated Greece 3-0, including two thrilling singles matches. Nick Kyrgios beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 7-6(7), 6-7(3), 7-6(5) and John Millman overcame Pervolarakis 4-6, 6-1, 7-6(1).

“People are going to be cheering our name, and being louder than any other nation, it's great. Greeks are very proud, and especially the Greeks of Australia. They are twice as proud as back home… There's an extra reason for me to go out and represent, play well. There's a lot of support that we're going to have this week. I'm very, very happy and glad that we have such a huge army backing us up.”

from Tennis - ATP World Tour https://ift.tt/3te496o