Montreal motivation no problem for Tsitsipas

Stefanos Tsitsipas has his regrets after losing a Paris Olympic quarter-final to eventual gold medallist Novak Djokovic but hopes to turn the page with a solid showing at this week’s Montreal Masters.

The ATP No. 11 Greek missed his Games chances as he blew a double-break lead in the second set after losing the first, eventually exiting in straight sets.

But the 25-year-old who played the 2018 final here steps right back into the fray as 11th seed in Francophile Canada, beginning his title quest in the second round.

He said the lack of a roof at the Montreal stadium which once hosted professional baseball games should not prove to be a problem as he revs up for the run to the August 26 start of the US Open.

“I’m coming from an event which offers no ATP (ranking) points. But it offers prestige in a different way; you’re playing for heritage and for country.

“You are not representing yourself. The Olympics come only every four years and it’s special to be a part of them.”

But he added; “Right now is an essential part of the season, you don’t want to miss a Masters 1000 – I wanted to participate here.’

Even the change from Wimbledon grass to Olympic clay to North American hardcourt is not a bother for the 25-year-old.

“We knew the season would be very difficult with the schedule packed. There are a lot of obligations to attend to.

‘But in the end you want to be mentally and physically ready for the next few weeks.”

Tsitsipas said that Montreal pullouts from Olympic winner Djokovic and runner-up Carlos Alcaraz are more than understandable.

“If you win an Olympic medal it’s normal to withdraw from the next tournament,” Tsitsipas said as he prepared for a second-round start in French-speaking Canada.

“I would probably do the same.

“But (as) I’m coming here with no medal – (playing well in Montreal) would be a good goal to set as a nearly top-10 player.”