During the Roland-Garros final, Stefanos Tsitsipas went through all the feelings.
The tension of a first major final, the release with a well-controlled start, the pain with the medical intervention to relieve his back, the frustration of a game that escapes him and the pain of a bitter 6-7 defeat ( 6/8), 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 in 4h11.
At a press conference, face closed, still marked by the epilogue, the Greek (22) insisted on the course and the momentum he hopes to draw from this campaign.
"
I tried everything
," he consoled himself.
Extracts.
The key moment:
"
I started to play short. I feel like I lost a bit of my rhythm. I don't know why really. It was very strange considering that I was starting to find my rhythm, my shots, my movements on the court were perfect and all of a sudden I was cold and I was no longer there. It was difficult to readjust my game, I have the impression that I lost my game a bit. I would have liked to understand why it happened like that, and precisely to change the course of things. I tried to find the answer during my game, but it was difficult, to find something. Unfortunately, it's very unfortunate and very sad at the same time, because it was really a great opportunity. I was playing well, I felt good. I
lost this opportunity to do something even better today. "
The first major final:
“
What I learned is that to finish a Grand Slam match, you have to win three sets.
Two sets doesn't mean anything.
I don't think I let myself go.
I kept the pace, I didn't relax but he came back, almost as if he was a new player.
He played very well, he didn't give me any space.
"
The canon return of Djokovic (after going to the locker room after the 2nd set):
“When
he returned from the locker room, physically, in his anticipation, his movements on the court, he was fresher than before.
I felt like he could read my game better all of a sudden.
He did well to do that.
"
Lessons from the tournament:
“
Despite my loss, I have faith in my game. I believe I can do it and grab a title.
I have faith in my game. I believe that I will be able to reach this level soon.
I was very close today.
With the same behavior, the same attitude, if I don't have a level drop, I don't see why I couldn't lift the trophy.
"
The Djokovic challenge to the best of 5 sets:
“
It's a question of endurance.
If you can keep your level for longer periods of time, that's what the Grand Slams require.
I played two good sets, it was not enough.
"
And now ? :
“
I'm happy with the way I played, the way I tried things, even though everything didn't work out. I don't think I have any regrets. I will be able to cry but I see no reason to do so because I have tried everything. I couldn't do more. I will look to the grass season, there are opportunities. I like the grass. I like to play on grass, although I haven't had the best results in recent years. I will try to adapt my game to the surface. I think I have the game to play well on grass. I have to be open-minded and adapt my game to this new and exciting surface.
"