Tsitsipas Realistic After Rotterdam Exit: 'I Feel I Must Completely Rebuild My Tennis'

Balancing Disappointment and Ambition, Tsitsipas Maps Out Rest of Season After Round-of-16 Loss in Rotterdam

le 13/02/2026 à 12h44

2 min to read

Stefanos Tsitsipas exited the ATP 500 Rotterdam tournament in the round of 16. World No. 32, the Greek had started strong with a win over Arthur Rinderknech (7-5, 6-3).

However, he couldn't back it up and fell in the next round to Botic van de Zandschulp (6-4, 7-6). After enduring a tough stretch in results last year—not to mention a back injury—the 27-year-old knows it will take time to regain his top form. But he's regaining hope and outlining his ambitions for the months ahead.

« The only positive thing is that I felt no pain »

"I have a lot of things to improve. I feel like I have to completely rebuild my tennis. I need to train hard and dedicate time to that goal. The only positive thing is that I felt no pain.

I have no physical issues, and that's important. I'm not happy with my serve. I can't give opponents that big a head start. Tennis is a strange game, and you often realize too late the things that can cost you the match.

I'm happy to be playing tennis right now. Returning to the tour without physical problems lets me set clear goals and think long-term. That's impossible when you're dealing with pain and injuries.

« I will do everything it takes to get back to my best level »

I love this life, stepping on court and giving everything to win. I will do everything it takes to return to my best level. Health is the most important thing. I say that from experience, because I've recently been through such tough moments in my life that I prefer never to talk about them.

Today, I can say I'm in a good phase and feel like I'm heading in the right direction," Tsitsipas told Tennis World Italia after his defeat to the Dutchman.

Sources

tennisworlditalia.com