Article
22 Jul 2021
Tsitsipas ‘super honoured’ to be in Tokyo ahead of Kohlschreiber clash
22 Jul 2021
As a Greek athlete, Stefanos Tsitsipas has the Olympics coursing through his veins.
It is particularly special then, that he and world No. 19 Maria Sakkari will become the first players from Greece to contest the Olympic Tennis Event in 13 years when the tournament gets underway on Saturday.
Given all the challenges these Games have faced, Tsitsipas believes that taking part in itself is momentous enough for the two, regardless of their status as realistic medal contenders in Tokyo.
“I think the experience we’re going to get at the Olympics can’t be compared to anything else,” said Tsitsipas after practice at the Ariake Tennis Park on Thursday. “I think both of us really wanted to be here. The fact that it’s a thing now is an unbelievable feeling.
“Being from Greece, the Olympics mean a lot to us. I think both of us would agree that we’re very honoured that the Greek flag would be part of tennis this year.”
Eleni Daniilidou and Anna Gerasimou were the last Greek players to take part in tennis at the Olympic Games, having represented the nation at Beijing 2008. Not since Athens 2004 has a Greek player won a match at an Olympics, when Daniilidou reached the third round of the women's singles event, but that wait is surely set to end this year.
Tsitsipas has experience of Tokyo having reached the quarter-finals at the city’s ATP event in 2018, and the world No. 4 is hoping that familiarity will serve him well.
“I’ve played at the Ariake before,” he said. “I think it’s one of the best arenas that tennis has to offer. I really like the people here – how much they just love the sport and tennis. Unfortunately it’s not going to be the same without them but I’m hoping for a good overall experience and a good stay here.
“These are some of the few things that I’m focussing on. And just be one with my country. Try and represent Greece in the best possible way. I’m super honoured and happy that I’m here, and things will come into shape.”
Tsitsipas begins his Tokyo 2020 campaign against 37-year-old Philip Kohlschreiber, who will make his second appearance at the Games having also represented Germany at Rio 2016.
“Battle of the backhands, yeah,” Tsitsipas noted of their upcoming encounter. “He’s someone that I’ve played a few times in the past. It’s going to be my first match. I’m hoping for a good start - just try and play my aggressive game, play smart and make it on my terms.
“The conditions here are slightly different,” he continued. “The last couple of weeks I was playing on different surfaces and different conditions but I think after a couple of practice sessions it’s going to feel great. I think my mind is there and my body too. There’s nothing that’s bothering me right now.”