Stefanos Tsitsipas has removed himself from the list of favorites for the trophy at the 2022 Roland Garros, believing Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz are ahead of him.
Tsitsipas produced a superb run last year to reach the final at the French Open and despite leading 2-0 against Djokovic, he lost the match in five sets. It was a humbling experience for the Greek player, who recently experienced another disappointing loss against the Serbian, who beat him in Rome, 6-0, 7-6(5).
The Serbian lost only to Alcaraz in the past two weeks, and he looked very comfortable in Rome. If he can keep up that level and even improve it, Djokovic could be primed for a good run in Paris, which is what Tsitsipas thinks.
On top of that, no player has been as dominant recently as Alcaraz as the Spaniard dominated his way to the trophy at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Madrid.
"Right now, Carlos Alcaraz or Novak Djokovic. They both play great, great tennis. I would put them as favourites."
Speaking about the upcoming Roland Garros, Tsitsipas also remembered his loss from last year, which was certainly disappointing, even though it gave him a taste of a Grand Slam final.
"There are things that didn't work for me after two-sets-to-love up in Roland Garros. I guess I was always pretty stubborn, didn't want to change because so far it was working for me, the thing that led me to being two sets to love up."
The Greek player is also aware of what he needs to do in the upcoming days to be able to challenge for the title at Roland Garros.
"Right now, I need to improve a few things in my game. I don't know if I'm going to get there but I hope I do with my hard work by the time Roland Garros begins."
"I would love myself to get around with these players and be there with them. But I will really need to put a bit more attention to detail in the next couple of weeks."