Stefanos Tsitsipas says he has no doubts he can win a Grand Slam title despite the dominance of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Tsitsipas is an ascending star in men’s tennis and sent a statement to his contemporaries that he can win big titles with victory at the ATP Finals in November.
But at the Australian Open in January, the Greek star was dumped out in the third round by Milos Raonic.
The tournament was then won by Djokovic to make it 13 consecutive Grand Slams for the ‘Big Three’.
Federer, Nadal and Djokovic have shown few signs of losing their edge but the likes of Tsitsipas, Dominic Thiem, Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev have shown they can mix it with them.
Yet the question remains, when will the trio’s superiority, in particular at the Grand Slams, come to an end.
And Tsitsipas revealed it is a topic that he gets asked regularly and he is confident he can accomplish his goal.
THINK YOU KNOW SPORT? Try our Sport’s quiz to test your knowledge during lockdown
“People always ask me when am I or the Next Gen going to win a Grand Slam. I feel it is going to come if you wait, you don’t have to ask the same question every single time,” he told Tennis Majors.
“The Big Three are still doing a great job, staying where they are and being so committed to what they do. They are difficult to beat, I won’t lie they are very difficult to beat. They still play at the same level. Maybe not the same, but even better than what they played five, six, seven or eight years ago.
“They are always improving, they are always learning. They are much more experienced than us. Maybe physically they are not the same because of their age.
“I do feel that I am capable of winning Grand Slams, it’s not that I am not capable.
“I’ve proven myself at the Nitto ATP Finals. I was the last player standing out of all eight, which for sure meant something – it’s not accidental you know?”
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Cincinnati Masters maintained they were still planning to stage the tournament and a decision would be made later this month.
“The USTA and Western & Southern Open have been exploring multiple scenarios for the tournament,” the statement said.
“The number one goal is to hold the tournament, in some form, this summer.
“The health and safety of the players, fans, volunteers and staff will be our greatest concern.
“To align with the decision-making timeline of the WTA and the ATP, we expect a final decision on the status of the tournament to be made in mid-June.”
