Stefanos Tsitsipas apologizes and explains the reasons for his choice

Stefanos Tsitsipas apologizes and explains

It lasted just three games the first singles match on Tuesday of the Nitto ATP Finals 2023, with Stefanos Tsitsipas choosing to take the court despite physical problems. Benefiting from it è was Holger Rune, who with the Greek’s withdrawal from regulation got a two-sets-to-zero victory that allows him to momentarily hook Sinner and Djokovic at the top of the green group.

“I want to apologize to all the fans who had come to see me, I’m sorry I couldn’t finish the match and didn’t give my place to someone else“ said the Greek at the press conference, later explaining the reasons for his choice. “The doctors said I could play, forò on the field I did not feel well at all. I hate to retire after the match has started, I don’t like not finishing matches” said Stef.

On the reason for the withdrawal, the problems are due to the back (and not the elbow as previously rumored). “I didn’t spend much time on the court in the last few days, I had difficulties in my movements: è it’s complicated to play in these conditions” said the world no°6, visibly wrinkled in front of the microphones.

“Immediately in the warm-up I felt severe pain in my back trying my serve and I realized that, probably, I would not be able to get to the end” admitted Tsitsipas, who concludes his ATP Finals 2023 here. He will be replaced by first alternate Hubert Hurkacz, who after playing an exhibition against Taylor Fritz minutes after the Greek withdrew will face Novak Djokovic on the final day of the green round, scheduled for Thursday.

Giovanni Pelazzo