"The number of players who can compete with the best is greater," says Tsitsipas
In a challenging phase of his career, Stefanos Tsitsipas is currently ranked 26th in the ATP rankings. After struggling for many months, the Greek player, who was once in the top 3, has gradually slipped down the rankings, partly due to underwhelming performances in Grand Slam tournaments.
Following his early exit at Wimbledon, where his back caused him significant discomfort, Tsitsipas reflected on the rising level of competition on the tour and the increased depth of players capable of troubling the world's best, in his opinion.
"There are more players who can cause problems for top-10 members than before. I think it’s harder to stay in the top 30 in today’s era. When I play in the third round of a Masters 1000 now, the level isn’t the same as when I started.
I’d say the level is higher now. You face tougher matches earlier in tournaments than you used to. The number of players who can compete with the best has grown. There are fewer weak spots than in the past.
One of the reasons for this, in my opinion, is that tennis has become a sport where physicality is essential. Access to technology, the ability to improve certain aspects that elevate your game…
There are more good coaches now than before. It shows that everyone is working to push tennis forward. Many players have more resources available to them than in our time, and they’re trying to make the most of them," Tsitsipas told Tennis365.
Than in our time? He's only 26 and talks like he's in his early or mid 30's. The same resources are available to him this very day. And having a net worth of over $20 million, I'm certain he has resources many others in the top 30 don't have.