Inspired Tsitsipas looking to ‘refresh, regroup’ in Australia

PERTH, Australia: Stefanos Tsitsipas said on Friday he will start with a blank mental slate at the season-opening United Cup teams event this week as the two-time Grand Slam finalist renews his quest for an elusive maiden major title.

The Greek star made the French Open decider in 2021 and was a losing finalist to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open in 2023 but is yet to take the final step. He is coming off a mediocre 2024 season in which his ranking dropped to its current 11 from a career-high three, managing only one title, a repeat victory at Monte Carlo.

But the 26-year-old, who will lead his nation in Perth with a Sunday round-robin tie against Spain, is keen to bury the past and renew the charge to his longtime tennis goal. "I was stuck in a rut last season and I needed to reflect," he said.

"You need to see what things are not serving you anymore and remove them -- get them out of your life. "You need to refresh, restart, regroup, using those things that benefit what you are doing."

Tsitsipas said his defeat against 10-time Australian Open champion Djokovic nearly two years ago was a major learning experience. "That (final) was my best memory on court ever, even if I lost. I was faced with a potential Grand Slam title, an important moment in my career," he said.

"And it was a childhood dream to finish (as) number one -- both of my goals were in front of me. "This was the only time of life that felt like all was in my control. Unfortunately (victory) didn´t happen but I was focused 100 percent. I get emotional thinking of how close I got to what I´ve dreamed of."

After his 2024 struggles, the Greek is keen to kick-start his comeback in Perth before another tilt at the Australian Open in January. "It´s a story of constant improvement," he said. "Last year I struggled, I´m not looking (necessarily) for happiness, just good memories. I want to start fresh and new in 2025.”