\"It\u2019s quite ironic. My whole [idea] was to try to go deep into the Australian Open... I guess karma hit me,\" Tsitsipas said after his four-set loss to American Alex Michelsen. The Greek star\u2019s early departure marked a stark departure from his usual success at Melbourne Park, where he has often shone as one of the tournament\u2019s standout performers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Tsitsipas, a three-time semi-finalist and 2023 runner-up in Melbourne, made a calculated choice to prioritize singles by pulling out of doubles with his brother, Petros. His goal was clear: save energy for a deep run in the draw. Yet, the strategy unraveled when the 26-year-old fell to the 20-year-old Michelsen, who outclassed him with bold shot-making and composure in key moments.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"I was not able to deliver or play the way I was hoping to at this year's event,\" Tsitsipas admitted. \u201cThe whole purpose was just to save up on some energy and be fresher... but that didn\u2019t work out.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The loss also prompted Tsitsipas to reflect on how his hunger and mindset have evolved over the years. \u201cFor sure I had a fresher mind back then. It seemed like I was hungrier in a completely different way than I am now,\u201d he said, harking back to his 2019 Australian Open breakthrough, where he stunned Roger Federer en route to the semi-finals.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While Tsitsipas acknowledges that his passion for tennis remains, he believes his career stability has shifted his approach. \u201cI\u2019ve been quite well-established in the last couple of years... I feel like there was a different energy, a different dynamic back then. I would say I\u2019m a better player now, even though I\u2019m losing.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The defeat to Michelsen also highlighted a slow start to Tsitsipas\u2019 2025 season. With two losses in his first three matches, the former World No. 3 finds himself struggling for form. \u201cThe most frustrating part about losing in the first round of a Grand Slam is that you have way too much time to recover,\u201d he said. \u201cHonestly, that\u2019s much better in terms of problem-solving. It just sucks in a way that I\u2019ll be hanging around for quite a while now before my next tournament.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While Tsitsipas acknowledges that his passion for tennis remains, he believes his career stability has shifted his approach. \u201cI\u2019ve been quite well-established in the last couple of years... I feel like there was a different energy, a different dynamic back then. I would say I\u2019m a better player now, even though I\u2019m losing.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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