Alpine clay marks the comfort zone for Tsitsipas

Stefanos Tsitsipas has put a mediocre grass season in the rear view mirror as the Greek steps back onto clay in the run-up to the Paris Olympics starting a week from Friday.

The ATP No. 12 whose ranking has taken a hit this season, won Monte Carlo, played the Barcelona final and reached the Roland Garros quarters, where he  lost to eventual titleholder Carlos Alcaraz.

The Greek is making his Gstaad debut this week, taking the top seeding in the Bernese Alps.

“I play my best on clay, it was a shame not to do better than the French Open quarter-finals,” he said. 

“I need matches for sure, I hope to have some good results – which has not been the case recently.

“If I play enough matches I will have a better understanding of my (current) game.”

Tsitsipas said that he chose to play  Gstaad at altitude instead of the clay 500 event in Hamburg. 

“I enjoy altitude, it’s my favourite place to play tennis,” said the player who stepped back onto clay last week at home in Monaco after exiting Wimbledon.

“I;ve heard good things about this tournament and I wanted to check it out,” said the headliner receiving a guarantee to play the smaller event. 

“The tournament was very kind with me. I hope to maximise my chance during this switch from grass to clay.’

The Greek who was once a Top 10 regular admitted: “(Now) is not the best time in terms of my tennis.These last few months have not been amazing.  

“I need a few more training days. Conditions here suit my game. Everything seems a bit easier at sea level once you’ve played at altitude.”

Main photo:- Stefanos Tsitsipas won 2024 Monte Carlo title