Tsitsipas awaits Alcaraz with confidence: "I've rediscovered my inner flame".
Stefanos Tsitsipas is having a very serious tournament at Roland-Garros. Following on from his excellent clay-court season (title in Monte Carlo, finalist in Barcelona, quarter-finalist in Rome), the Greek is impressing in Paris. Although he has not yet faced any of the big favourites, Tsitsipas did not disappoint. A very serious player, he played four fairly complete matches and showed himself to be a battler when necessary.
Not hiding his delight, the world number 9 is now aiming higher. With Carlos Alcaraz set to meet him in the quarter-finals, the challenge promises to be a daunting one. Not only was he soundly beaten by the same Spaniard last year (6-2, 6-1, 7-6), but he never managed to beat his opponent.
When asked about this fiery duel, scheduled for this Tuesday evening's night session, 'Tsitsi' knows he's not the favorite, but still wants to believe: "He's already said in the past that he likes to play against me. I hope he'll like it a little less this time. I hope I can make him feel that he's not that comfortable against me. That's what I've set myself for this match. I hope there will be opportunities on my side that I can use.
My aim is to be the most annoying player on the court and challenge him as much as possible. That's my mindset. Of course, I'll try to do my best and put up a good fight. He's one of the best, but I feel I'm in a good period at the moment. I think I've got a chance. I've played some good tennis so far and I've got my inner fire back."
French Open 
