Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas expressed that the Olympics holds a special significance for him due to its Greek origins and mentioned his aspiration to achieve his dream of winning an Olympic medal at the upcoming Paris Games. Greece, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, has secured three tennis medals in the Olympics, all earned in 1896 during the first modern Olympic Games in Athens.
"Greece and the (Olympic) Games are a perfect match, much like bread and butter. This has been a dream of mine since I began playing tennis," stated world number 12 Tsitsipas in an interview with Stats Perform published on Wednesday.
"From the moment I first held a tennis racket, I aspired to be an athlete who could participate in such an event. Aiming for a medal is truly extraordinary." Tsitsipas continued, "My dream continues to evolve and exist, and my journey towards it is gradually taking shape. For me, the ultimate satisfaction is leaving the Games with a medal."
The Olympic tennis tournament will be held from July 27 to August 4 at Roland Garros, the venue also used for the French Open. Tsitsipas has previously experienced success on the clay courts of Roland Garros, reaching the French Open final in 2021 and the quarterfinals in the last two editions.
"I am eagerly anticipating a strong preparation before the Games commence in August," Tsitsipas said. "I achieved great success there a few years ago, playing in the finals of Roland Garros. Returning there with that confidence and memory in mind allows me to strive and work towards the same goal that I successfully achieved a few years ago."
Tsitsipas will participate in both singles and men's doubles at the Olympics, partnering with his brother Petros in the doubles event.
