In the face of an inconsistent season, the Greek tennis sensation, Stefanos Tsitsipas, is back and reviving his career in the Dubai Championships, attributing his comeback to pivotal adjustments in his game. Early in the year, Tsitsipas was knocked out in the Australian Open’s opening round, a devastating loss that left him with an uncomfortable amount of time to reflect. His performances in the ATP Rotterdam Open and the Qatar Open were equally disheartening, as he failed to progress deep into either tournament.
However, his fortunes took a promising turn at the Dubai Championships, where he rose like a phoenix and stormed into his first final of the year. How did Tsitsipas turn the tables after a rocky start? The answer lies in a game-changing decision that sparked his return to form.
Following his lackluster performance Down Under, Tsitsipas stumbled in the quarterfinals in Rotterdam and fought valiantly in Qatar, yet fell short in both contests. His performance in Dubai, however, was a completely different story. Tsitsipas commenced his Dubai campaign in impressive fashion, surpassing Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego and Karen Khachanov before triumphing over Matteo Berrettini and Tallon Griekspoor, securing his spot in the season’s first final. Awaiting him in the final showdown is 24-year-old Canadian Félix Auger-Aliassime.
In the aftermath of his semifinal victory, Tsitsipas hinted at a pivotal adjustment that breathed new life into his season. At the post-match press conference, he revealed his switch in rackets ahead of the Dubai Open, calling it a “no-brainer.” In his words, the change was necessary to avoid being trapped in a repetitive cycle of subpar performances.
Tsitsipas, notorious for breaking rackets, had been a loyal user of the Wilson Blade, a favorite among many top-seeded players on the pro tour. In Dubai, however, keen observers noted a change in his equipment. The Greek star was spotted using what appeared to be a ‘blacked-out racquet’, distinct from his usual ‘Blade 98’ but still sporting his signature Wilson logo.
Upon closer inspection, it was revealed that his newfound weapon was the Babolat Pure Aero 98, the same model favored by four-time Grand Slam Champion Carlos Alcaraz of Spain. This switch signifies a crucial shift in Tsitsipas’ approach to the game, suggesting he’s seeking more spin, power, and an overall fresh perspective.
As Tsitsipas prepares to face Félix Auger-Aliassime in his first ATP final since Barcelona last year, he stands on the brink of reentering the ATP Top 10 singles rankings. With his third career final in Dubai, he is only one victory away from returning to these prestigious ranks. Despite his previous disappointments in finals at the ATP 500 level, Tsitsipas is determined to rewrite his history in these championships.
Dubai has been a stronghold for Tsitsipas, who has reached the finals there in 2019 and 2020 and boasts a 14-4 win-loss record in the Middle East event. The only milestone that remains elusive is his first ATP 500 title. Reflecting on his past performances, Tsitsipas expressed his joy at being able to play good tennis and avoid any drama in the semifinals against Griekspoor.
Can Tsitsipas, who narrowly lost to Roger Federer in 2019 and Novak Djokovic in 2020 in Dubai, finally clinch the title this time around? As the Greek tennis ace embarks on this journey, the world watches with bated breath.
