Stefanos Tsitsipas was interviewed by redbull.com, where he spoke about his personal growth, his goals for the future, and the importance of patience in achieving success—not only in tennis, but in life in general.
Patience as a core value
What is the most important character trait for you?
“Patience. I think that’s what the younger generation lacks. Especially with social media, they are very impatient and want everything right away.”
Have you always been a patient person, or is it something you developed over time?
“I was a pretty hyperactive kid, but over time I learned to become more patient. It’s important to reflect on the things you do and appreciate the small things. Some people want big results too quickly. Of course, it’s sometimes hard to be consistent with patience, but during difficult moments I remind myself that I’m here for the journey, not the destination.”
Patience in the biggest challenges
How does patience improve your game on court?
“There were two times I found myself in the same situation with the same opponent, but I was a different Stefanos each time. The first time I faced Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open in 2019, I was really impatient. I remember thinking: ‘Okay, I’m playing one of the best, I have to prove myself against the top.’ (He lost to Nadal in straight sets.) Two years later, I played him again at the same tournament in the quarterfinals. After going down two sets, I realized I was making a mistake. I made a deal with myself: ‘Okay, be patient. Wait for your moment, enjoy every single minute on court and make the match fun.’ That has been one of the most important experiences of my career so far.”
The flow: when everything aligns
How did that performance feel?
“It felt like I was in a cage and someone had just unlocked it. Suddenly, I felt free. Every decision I made felt right—what I like to call ‘the flow.’ I was able to reach that level by lowering my expectations. It was a pure battle, a mental effort. It was extremely draining, both physically and mentally. I don’t think I’ve ever played at such a high level for such a long time. When you learn how to transform yourself to reach another level, everything becomes extraordinary. You’re no longer playing with your skills—you’re playing with your soul.”
The flow: how to reach it
Can you find your flow whenever you want?
“I had this conversation with my mental trainer: how can we enter the flow state more often? The answer he gave me, surprisingly, was: ‘You just have to let go.’ You can’t expect to always be in that state. You learn everything gradually: flow is a state you reach when you stop overthinking and trust your instincts more.”
The mental side of tennis
How important is the mental aspect compared to the physical one?
“I haven’t lost many matches because of physical issues. Most of my losses came from what was going on in my head. Physically, many players are on the same level. I think the real difference lies in the mental aspect. You need energy to keep your body fit, but you also need mental energy to keep your mind sharp. Tennis is a very mental sport.”
Mental goal: positivity
Do you have a mental goal?
“To be the most positive guy on Earth, I guess. There are days when I feel a bit negative—I think that’s normal for everyone.”
Is it possible to stay positive for long?
“That’s a tough question. Criticism is important—I like receiving it. When I was younger, I was very sensitive to criticism, but as I got older I realized it’s essential if you want to reach perfection. It’s also true that perfection doesn’t exist, but you can get close. It also depends on your attitude toward what you do. If you do it with love and care, if you wake up every morning and give your best to succeed, with people who share the same dream, anything is possible. With your mind, you can achieve anything you want in life. That’s where it all starts. Everything begins in the mind.”
The words of Stefanos Tsitsipas remind us just how important patience, mental preparation, and a positive approach really are. It’s not just about playing well—it’s about being mentally ready, understanding that the journey is what truly matters, and knowing that only with a strong and focused mind can we face the biggest challenges.
by Federico Coppini
https://www.coppinifedericoacademy.com/
