Greek trailblazer Stefanos Tsitsipas is making his fourth appearance with Team Europe at the Laver Cup, building on previous successes in Geneva in 2019 and Boston in 2021. His debut alongside childhood idols Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal was a dream come true for the soulful Greek star. As Team Europe aims to reclaim the Cup, Tsitsipas is eager to contribute more points to the team’s efforts.
**How It’s Going**
Tsitsipas has accumulated 11 ATP singles titles, with his most recent victory at Monte Carlo in April, where he defeated fellow Team Europe member Carlos Ruud in straight sets. Ruud later avenged this loss in Barcelona. A former world No.1 junior, Tsitsipas made history at Roland Garros in 2021 by becoming the first Greek player to reach a Grand Slam final and achieve a career-high No.3 ranking.
In the current season, Tsitsipas advanced to the quarterfinals of the ATP Masters 1000 in Rome and the men’s singles at Roland Garros, falling to eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz. He also reached the quarterfinals in men’s doubles at both Roland Garros and the Paris Olympics, partnering with his brother, Petros.
**The Motivation to Play Laver Cup**
Tsitsipas cherishes the opportunity to compete in the Laver Cup, particularly relishing his 2019 experience with Federer and Nadal. “It brought me closer to my heroes, their personalities, and what they feel like in real life,” he reflects. “It was a learning experience to witness their legacy, observe their body language, and understand what makes them incredible athletes.”
He values the emotional and developmental impact of these experiences, which have significantly shaped his growth as a player. “I felt absolutely grateful for my journey and for earning my spot on that team,” he says.
**Role on Team Europe**
With a 4-3 win-loss record in Laver Cup competition—3-1 in singles and 1-2 in doubles—Tsitsipas is a seasoned team member. He acknowledges the pressure of high-stakes matches, especially on the final day when points are worth three. Tsitsipas aims to guide younger teammates through these intense situations and underscores the importance of passion, consistency, and attitude in securing victory.
Having Björn Borg as the team captain has been one of the highlights of his Laver Cup experience. “It’s probably one of the coolest experiences of my life,” Tsitsipas says. “Borg is a living legend. His support and coaching have been incredibly soothing and refreshing.”
Tsitsipas’s journey in the Laver Cup reflects not just his individual achievements but also his commitment to supporting and mentoring his teammates in the quest for success.
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