Stefanos Tsitsipas has reacted to recent criticism about his form and admits he doesn't need to "prove anything to anyone" except himself.
The Greek superstar has suffered a severe depreciation in his performances and results in the second half of the campaign. Since bagging his first ATP title of the season in Los Cabos in early August, Tsitsipas has picked up four wins from six tournaments at all levels.
That run includes a second-round exit at the US Open, the only Grand Slam he has yet to reach the second week in his career. Tsitsipas was powerless to prevent an ignominious defeat for his country in the Davis Cup tie against Slovakia. It means Greece will not be able to progress from World Group I in the team competition next year.
Recently, Tsitsipas gave an interview where he admitted to being at peace with his current form struggles. He acknowledged that he had not delivered results at the lofty standards he set for himself and "felt the need to get better".
Former WTA doubles No. 1 Pam Shriver commented on Tsitsipas' form and opined that the Greek star had "hit a wall" in his quest to outdo fellow rivals Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Tsitsipas has since spoken again, and although he was not directly responding to the Tennis Channel commentator, he channeled his message to doubters who questioned his focus.
"People who say I'm not focused on tennis anymore? I'm training more than I ever have in my career. I don't want to prove anything to anyone, except to myself, to prove to myself that I am capable of regaining my level. I believe it."
Stefanos Tsitsipas will be in action this week at the European Open in Antwerp. The 25-year-old is chasing his second title of the season, and most importantly, establishing a gap between himself and Alexander Zverev in the ATP Race to Turin. Tsitsipas in sixth spot is just 200 points ahead of the German and can take advantage of Zverev's costly defeat in Tokyo.
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