Stefanos Tsitsipas gets brutally honest after losing to Dominic Stricker at US Open
Stefanos Tsitsipas crashed out of the US Open at the hands of Dominic Stricker
REUTERS
Stefanos Tsitsipas has admitted he was performance against Dominic Stricker was 'poor' as he crashed out of the US Open on Thursday.
The Greek had gone into their match as the strong favourite to go through and make the third round of the competition.
But that didn't happen, with Tsitsipas losing in five sets in one of the biggest upsets of the competition so far.
Speaking after the game, the 25-year-old lamented his performance and admitted his form was nowhere near good enough as his hopes of Grand Slam glory were ruthlessly ended.
Dominic Stricker was too strong for Stefanos Tsitsipas at the US Open
REUTERS
“I won’t blame it on anything. It’s just poor performance after Los Cabos,” he said.
“I consider myself a good player, and I don’t want to be a person that can be beaten easily or I’m giving my opponents easy time on the court against me.
"I try to make it as hard as I can, and if it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work. I move on with my life.”
Earlier this month, the Greek altered his coaching team by removing his father, Apostolos, as head coach.
But Tsitsipas insists that had no impact on the result and he only had himself to blame.
“By no means I’m supposed to put any blame on any people or any members of my team," he stated.
“Everything on court is under my control and under my talents, and the way I can play this sport are shown out on the court.
"If I’m not able to deliver, then I’m not supposed to be doing well.”
Tsitsipas also revealed he considered retiring hurt during the performance, too.
“I was actually thinking of retiring in that particular occasion but I went in and hoped that I can do something," he continued.
As for Stricker, the Swiss star has credited a change in his diet for his stunning form.
"I haven't done crazy things, but I have changed my diet," he said.
"I eat less sugar, less chocolate and less things like that. I've changed a lot.
"My team is doing it too, so it's great to feel that support.
"It's great to see that my body is capable of withstanding four hours of tennis.
"Maximum level. I feel better on the court than last year, my game has improved."
And Stricker has also revealed three weeks of training with Roger Federer has helped as well.
"Spending three weeks training with him was a big difference," he continued.
"He gave me a lot of advice. He is the perfect example to follow, not only on the court, but also off it.
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Stefanos Tsitsipas has lamented his 'poor' display at the US Open
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"Seeing how he behaves in each training session, the way he approaches the life, it's incredible."