Stefanos Tsitsipas using Novak Djokovic tactics in bid to reach No 1

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Stefanos Tsitsipas is looking to one man in his goal to reach No 1 in the world next season after being in with a shot of reaching the top ranking at the end of 2022. The Greek has given an intricate explanation of exactly how he will be taking inspiration from Novak Djokovic to achieve his aim, as he also sets his sights on improving at the Grand Slams.

Tsitsipas was one of three men in with a shot at the year-end No 1 ranking in 2022 alongside Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, with the latter ultimately retaining his spot at the top for the end of the season. The Greek star instead ended up ending the year at No 4 behind Nadal and Casper Ruud but he has now learned what he must do to get to the top and will be following the example of none other than the record holder for most weeks at ATP No 1 – Djokovic.

The world No 4 gave a detailed explanation of everything that he believes makes the Serb the toughest competitor, and is hoping to emulate his tactics. “He is the toughest and the most consistent. A perfectionist who took tennis to another kind of level,” the 24-year-old told reporters at the recent Diriyah Tennis Cup.

“His diet, his physical work, his flexibility and his professionalism in each of the areas. I don’t think there is a single thing that I neglect. Even the analyses that I have listened to. Novak is advanced.”

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And Tsitsipas believes he has the ability to replicate Djokovic’s attention to detail in every aspect of his life, adding: “Personally I feel very inspired. “I feel that there are many of these things that I can put in my tennis, and increase knowledge around my game.

“Once I get my mind around that and become more professional, even more than I already am, it shouldn’t be an accident to get to number one. I know my abilities as an athlete and how much I have worked.” The nine-time title winner is still focused on his tennis, as he claimed one shot would be the key to his quest to reach the top of tennis.

“The return will be a very important aspect to take me to No 1 in the world,” he continued. “If I am able to return 95 per cent of the second serves deep, even 75 per cent of the first serves of my opponents, I can do great things in 2023.

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“My serve is much better and looser. I have a great return that has gone well in practice, but not in its best version in games. I can add more pressure when I return and not overthink it. I need to push more and I have to be aggressive on the first ball.” While Tsitsipas is eyeing the world No 1 ranking, he admitted he was just hoping to get to the latter stages of the Grand Slams next season after losing in the opening round of the US Open and the third round of Wimbledon in 2022.

The world No 4 explained: “I just want to be more consistent in the Grand Slams. I’m not asking to win them all, but if I could win consecutive semi-finals, finals and titles in the Grand Slams, I would be very satisfied. I see the opportunities there. Roll the dice right in the right tournaments and move up the draws.”

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