Stefanos Tsitsipas drops praises on Roger Federer ahead of Hopman Cup clash
Rising Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas can't wait to clash against Swiss Roger Federer at the Hopman Cup.
Tsitsipas, 20, and record 20-time Grand Slam champion Federer have never played against each other.
However, that will soon change as the two are due to clash against each other at the Hopman Cup in Perth on January 3.
Tsitsipas will certainly be motivated to beat Federer and start his 2019 season in style after a breakthrough 2018 campaign.
The Greek ended runner-up in Barcelona and the Toronto Masters this past season as in both finals he was beaten by world No. 2 Rafael Nadal.
Tsitsipas' Toronto campaign featured four wins over top-10 players as he beat Dominic Thiem, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev and Kevin Anderson before he lost to Nadal.
2018 NextGen ATP Finals champion Tsitsipas has proved capable of beating the top players of the game.
"I am smiling already, I am picturing things in my brain of how it is going to feel and look like to be sharing the same court as him, it is a privilege to be playing such a respected athlete of our sport," Tsitsipas said of his Hopman Cup match against Federer, per The West Australian.
"He's not just an inspiration, I also think that he has played a huge role over my performance and development over the years. I continue to push myself daily to achieve what he has achieved, and I honestly think that being in his position one day would be the best feeling on earth. That is what I am working for every day of my life.
"I watched this event as a kid on television and I remember saying to myself that I would like to play this tournament one day. It is something new for me and I am excited to be sharing the court with the best, and I am excited that Roger will be there, it is a good challenge for me and obviously I want to do well there because I think it can help with my confidence before an event like the Aussie Open."
Also read: Coming back after a tough period is a challenge, admits Rafael Nadal
from Tennis World USA http://bit.ly/2RenX9y
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