Wimbledon star Stefanos Tsitsipas has admitted he’s pleased to have had to withdraw from competing in this year’s mixed doubles event.
In his sixth appearance at SW19, the Greek entered himself into all three possible events.
3
3
He reached the men’s singles last 16 with having already beaten Dominic Thiem and Andy Murray but was knocked out of the men’s doubles with brother Petros in the first round on Sunday.
Tsitsipas was also due to compete alongside his girlfriend Paula Badosa in the mixed doubles event.
However, she had to retire in her second round women’s singles match against Marta Kostyuk due to a spinal injury.
Their withdrawal was announced before the event even began on Friday, much to the relief of Tsitsipas.
Speaking on their inability to play, he said: “Mixed [doubles] is not a thing anymore, thank God. I prefer to live.
“It never crossed my mind that I would be doing all three in a single event, but I also see it from the bright side. You like tennis so much, you want to be in these Slams for as long as possible.
“You want to challenge yourself in singles, doubles, mixed doubles. I personally like mixed doubles.”
Having had a disrupted tournament at Wimbledon so far, Tsitsipas will be relieved that there is one less event to compete in.
His opening singles match against Thiem had a two-day suspension due to the weather, and the clash against Murray had to be played on both Thursday and Friday due to curfew.
Tsitsipas’ third round match against Laslo Djere on Saturday was more straightforward though as he won 6-4 7-6 6-4.
Up next for him on Monday is American Christopher Eubanks, who beat Christopher O’Connell in straight sets in the third round and beat Britain’s Cameron Norrie in the second round.
Tsitsipas has never made it past the fourth round at Wimbledon, but his now reduced workload could boost his chances of going far.
