Stefanos Tsitsipas is back in the winner’s circles after claiming the title at the 2024 Monte Carlo Masters on Sunday. It is his third title at the Masters event in the last four editions. He now has won the tournament thrice in just six appearances on the clay court event.
This year’s Golden Swing has higher importance given the 2024 Olympic Games scheduled in Paris. Tennis will be played on the clay courts of the Stade Roland Garros, the site for the French Open. Tsitsipas is the biggest hope for a medal on the men’s side for Greece. But the former World No. 3 has other plans of self-interest.
Maria Sakkari and Stefanos Tsitsipas (Images via IMAGO)
Although he has spoken of his desire to bring home Greece’s first-ever tennis medal at the Games, he is unsure of his participation in all three disciplines. He is certain to make the singles draw given his high ranking. But, much to the disappointment of many, he may skip playing the Mixed Doubles and partner Maria Sakkari.
I know that it's the Olympics and it's a great opportunity to play with Maria, and I completely agree she's one of the best partners to have in the mixed doubles field. I have had great moments with her.said Stefanos Tsitsipas, speaking with the press in Monte Carlo.
But the current World No. 7 quickly cleared the air on the actual reason for not wanting to team up with Sakkari. With his ambition to play men’s doubles as well with younger brother Petros, he wants to avoid signing up for all three disciplines.
What I want to do is clear. If I manage to get in the Olympic Games with my brother Petros, I would want to play singles and doubles with him. I would say that playing three events in a single tournament is a bit too much for me, and physically taxing, and I would want to avoid that.added Stefanos Tsitsipas
With the Top-56 ranked individuals, four max from one nation, getting direct entry in the draw, there’s no doubt about Stef’s participation. But things could get tricky given both the Tsitsipas brothers are ranked outside the Top-100 in the doubles rankings.
Stefanos Tsitsipas has an eye on a rare Olympic record in tennis
Stef has been quite vocal about wanting to play doubles with his brother Petros. He was quite emotional when the two won their first title together in Antwerp last year. The World No. 7 even went on to call it bigger than all of his singles titles.
If Stef and Petros do make the Olympics together, they will join an exclusive club of siblings to have played the men’s doubles together at the Games. Americans Bob and Mike Bryan and Britain’s Jamie and Andy Murray are the names that pop immediately for Olympics pairings, something which even Stef wants.
But at the same time, I have a dream with my brother I'd like to share and be one of the very few brothers that have ever played together in the Olympics, especially in tennis. Nothing is stronger than that dream, and I really want to make this possible for both of us.concluded Stefanos Tsitsipas
The final entry lists for the Olympics will be confirmed in July. This gives a lot of time to players and their associations to decide their best combinations. Whether Stef partners Sakkari if he fails to qualify for men’s doubles, only time will tell.
