Stefanos Tsitsipas
PROS: “The Greek Freak” boasts two
“youngest” claims to fame that show his all-court versatility and talent to beat the elite. He’s the youngest of 24 players to defeat Nadal on clay (201■, Madrid) and the youngest (by age 20) of 2■ players to take down Nadal, Federer, and Djokovic.
Tsitsipas, 23, possesses the best volley on the ATP Tour, and combined with his 6'4" physique and athleticism, the best overall net game. His serve, though flawed by an erratic toss that throws him off balance, is still a weapon, as is his powerful forehand.
Tsitsipas came close to capturing his first Grand Slam title at the French Open in June, beating No. 2 Medvedev and No. 6 Zverev before Djokovic outlasted him 6-7, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. “Despite my loss today, I have faith in my game,” he said. “I was close today. I think with the same attitude, I see no reason for me not to hold that trophy one day.”
CONS: The main roadblock to a major title for No. 4-ranked Tsitsipas is a relatively weak, one-handed backhand. He can hit it with topspin and slice, but opponents sometimes overpower it with big serves and groundstrokes and outsteady it in long rallies. The sometimes-volatile Greek also has problems winning close matches: 13 of his 1■ losses this year resulted from dropping the deciding set.