Stefanos Tsitsipas said Rafael Nadal's historic achievements on clay place him on another planet ahead of other ATP players.
World number three Tsitsipas has won the last two Monte-Carlo Masters and hopes to become the third player to win the competition on three separate occasions. The only other players to achieve this feat were Nadal and Ilie Nastase.
Speaking after his round of 32 win against Benjamin Bonzi, Tsitsipas remained humble and emphasised the true magnitude of Nadal's previous accomplishments on clay surfaces.
"To compare yourself to Nadal here, or anywhere else on clay, you have to come from another planet,"
But Greek player Tsitsipas could not hold back his excitement about the forthcoming clay season, which kicked off at Monte Carlo on Monday.
"I'm always excited when the clay season starts up again, Tennis is different on this surface and I missed the clay. The first day you put your foot on it, it's something special. 'amazing every time. The height of the bounce, the feel, etc., I love it."
Reflecting on his previous two wins at Monte-Carlo, Tsitsipas explained that this is one of his preferred venues to play tennis.
The 24-year-old has had an inconsistent start to 2023. Tsitsipas made the Australian Open final before losing to Novak Djokovic, then suffered early exits at Rotterdam, Indian Wells and Miami. But he wants to bounce back and feels he is relaxed in Monte Carlo, which could work to his advantage.
"It really feels good to be back on clay, and the fact that it's here, one of my favorite places in the world, is even better. I'm enjoying the fact of having won twice here. I don't think it puts extra pressure on me. I just feel good when I play here,"
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