Boris Becker backs Stefanos Tsitsipas to challenge Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic

Stefanos Tsitsipas stands as the leader of the ATP Race ahead of Roland Garros, winning 33 matches in 2021 and lifting two ATP crowns on clay. Stefanos was the Australian Open semi-finalist and the finalist in Acapulco before claiming the first Masters 1000 title in Monte Carlo without losing a set. The young Greek had a massive chance to add another crown to his tally in Barcelona, earning a match point against Rafael Nadal before falling in three epic sets after three hours and 38 minutes! Stefanos served for the victory against Novak Djokovic in the Rome Open quarter-final before finishing on the losing side after another marathon, gathering momentum and claiming the Lyon Open title a week later. Praising Tsitsipas, Boris Becker puts him right up there with a couple of other favorites for the crown in Paris, saying he can compete against Nadal and Djokovic and challenge them.

Boris Becker praised Stefanos Tsitsipas ahead of Roland Garros.

Becker mentioned Tsitsipas' incredible physical shape and improved groundstrokes that have made him one of the world's best players. Last October, Stefanos advanced to his second Major semi-final in Paris, playing on a high level and setting the clash against Novak Djokovic. World no. 1 prevailed 6-3, 6-2, 5-7, 4-6, 6-1 in three hours and 54 minutes for the 27th Major final and the fifth in Paris, the first since 2016. Tsitsipas was there to fight in the opening two sets, but he lost the crucial points and fell behind. The youngster stayed in touch in set number three and saved a match point at 4-5 to extend the encounter. The Greek seized the fourth set after fending off ten out of 11 break chances, overpowering Novak before running out of gas in the decider to propel Djokovic into the title clash.

"Of course, it annoys Novak when he is constantly asked who the successors of Roger, Rafa and him are, although they are still winning titles, as they did in Rome. Stefanos Tsitsipas has had a very consistent season and won another clay-court tournament in Lyon last week. He claimed the Monte Carlo crown and played in the Australian Open semi-final. He has shown absolute world-class performances throughout the year. On clay, he is one of Roland Garros favorites. He's in tremendous physical shape and has improved his groundstrokes, especially his backhand. I see him going very far," Boris Becker said.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2SDJQBo