Who is Stefanos Tsitsipas? What to know about the Greek Tennis star

Stefanos Tsitsipas has long been one of the most recognizable names in modern tennis, known for his one-handed backhand, charismatic presence, and sometimes fiery demeanor. The 26-year-old Greek player has earned a reputation as both a showman and a fierce competitor, though his career has also been marked by near-misses at Grand Slams and occasional controversy.

Early Life and Rise in Tennis

Born on August 12, 1998, in Athens, Greece, Tsitsipas grew up in a family immersed in sports. His father, Apostolos, coached tennis, while his mother, Julia Apostoli, was a professional player in the 1980s. Encouraged from an early age, Tsitsipas trained rigorously and quickly became one of the top juniors in the world, reaching the junior Wimbledon final in 2016.

His breakthrough on the ATP Tour came in 2018 when he reached the final of the Rogers Cup in Toronto, defeating Novak Djokovic along the way. That same year, he was named ATP’s Most Improved Player of the Year.

Career Highlights and Playing Style

Tsitsipas is known for his aggressive baseline game, powerful serve, and artistic one-handed backhand. He has consistently been ranked among the Top 10 players in the world, with his highest ranking being World No. 3.

Some of his career highlights include:

• Winning the 2019 ATP Finals, the biggest title of his career so far.
• Reaching the French Open final in 2021, where he pushed Novak Djokovic to five sets.
• Multiple Masters 1000 finals and ATP Tour titles.

Despite these achievements, Tsitsipas has yet to secure a Grand Slam, a gap that remains central to discussions about his legacy.

READ ALSO

Townsend defeats Ostapenko in heated US Open clash marked by courtside tension

How did Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori make US Open history again?

Recent Controversy at the US Open 2025

Tsitsipas made headlines during the 2025 US Open after losing a five-set thriller to Germany’s Daniel Altmaier. The match drew attention not only for its drama but also for Tsitsipas’ frustration with Altmaier’s frequent use of underarm serves.

After the defeat, Tsitsipas criticized the tactic, calling it “gamesmanship” and questioning its place in the sport. His outspoken remarks sparked debate in the tennis community, with some agreeing and others defending Altmaier’s strategy.

The incident added another layer to Tsitsipas’ complex public persona, a mix of talent, emotion, and occasional controversy.

Tsitsipas Off the Court

Away from tennis, Tsitsipas has built a strong following on social media, where he shares personal reflections, travel content, and philosophical musings. He is also passionate about photography and has expressed interest in film production.

Tsitsipas’ relationships and family ties often make headlines. He has previously dated fellow player Paula Badosa, and his close connection to his parents and siblings is well-documented.

The Road Ahead for Tsitsipas

At 26, Tsitsipas remains at the peak of his physical abilities, but the pressure to win a Grand Slam is mounting. With rivals like Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Novak Djokovic setting high standards, Tsitsipas faces the challenge of translating his consistent tour-level success into major championships.

Still, his charisma, shot-making flair, and resilience keep him one of the most compelling figures in tennis today.