Stefanos Tsitsipas ranted about his backhand during a surprise loss to Kazakhstan’s Alexander Shevchenko as the Greek tennis star dropped an expletive and lamented that it was “impossible to do anything with it.”
Usually, the two-time Grand Slam finalist’s backhand is one of his biggest assets.
But on Monday, it wasn’t clicking well and that’s one of the reasons why the world No. 78 claimed a shock 6-4 7-6 (0) win.
Down by a set and a break midway through the second set, Tsitsipas aired his frustration on Team Greece bench.
“My backhand doesn’t go anywhere. I need to put a (expletive) truck behind it for it to go. It’s impossible to do anything with it,” the world No. 11 was heard saying.
Stefanos Tsitsipas during the changeover in his match against Shevchenko at United Cup
“My backhand doesn’t go anywhere. I need to put a f****** truck behind it for it to go. It’s impossible to do anything with it.” 💀💀 pic.twitter.com/lsENVibFG4
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) December 30, 2024
Tsitsipas then got the break back but still lost the match
After letting off some of his frustration, the 26-year-old managed to instantly get the break back when the match resumed and tie the set to four games apiece before ultimately forcing a tie-break.
But then in the tie-break, the Greek inexplicably completely shut down and didn’t win a single point.
While Tsitsipas didn’t have a great day at the office, it was the complete opposite for Shevchenko, who declared it one of his best wins.
“I think he was not at his best today but still I played really well and I found the moments to win the match. It will definitely go in my record as one of my best wins,” the 24-year-old said afterward.
“I was risking with my backhand down the line and it worked out really well. I’ve been dreaming of playing this event… it’s unbelievable to be here playing on this court.”
Alexander Shevchenko© United Cup/X – Fair Use
Since Maria Sakkari also lost to Elena Rybakina in the following match, Greece exited the United Cup in the group stage.
During the event, Tsitsipas went 1-1 since he beat Pablo Carreno Busta on Saturday.
Tennis World USA