Tennis: Novak Djokovic Reveals Rising Star’s Potential

Novak Djokovic claimed his fifth Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship over the weekend. The World Number One cruised through the tournament and beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in a straight-set match. Djokovic took control of the match early on and won 6-3, 6-4.

Djokovic had high praise for his opponent and assessed Tsitsipas’ willingness and grit to improve. Per ATP, Djokovic shared after his Dubai win that his Greek rival is bound for future success. “I love the fact that he is more than just tennis player and he's always looking to learn from the experience and to understand something new about himself so he can improve, get better,” said Djokovic.

The 17-time Grand Slam Champion added that he sees the potential in the rising star’s game. He praised his attitude and persistence to take his game to the next level. “That for me is a trait of a champion, of someone that for sure has a great potential to be No. 1 of the world and win Grand Slams and be a great ambassador of our sport.” Djokovic adds that he’s certain that Tsitsipas has a great future ahead of him.

Tsitsipas is only 21-years-old and has garnered big wins already in his career. He already has two big wins against Djokovic in the five times that they’ve met. Tsitsipas has also made a top-five berth in 2019 with the Nitto ATP Finals win to end the year. He defeated Dominic Thiem in three sets, 6-7, 6-2, 7-6.

The Athens-born tennis star has made strides to be one of the next stars of the sport. His six-foot-four frame and athletic mobility on the court proves to be one of his assets as a player. He also plays with a single hand backhand and an aggressive motor when attacking short balls.

While Tsitsipas is next in line to be one of the best in the sport, Djokovic currently holds the reign as tennis’ top star. He is currently undefeated in 2020 and is clinging to his World Number One spot. “Obviously I've never had the record that Djokovic has. But I do think it's possible. Of course, lots of respect to him for doing it so many times,” Tsitsipas said.