AUSTRALIAN OPEN

January 16, 2023

Stefanos Tsitsipas

Press Conference

S. TSITSIPAS/Q. Halys

6-3, 6-4, 7-6

THE MODERATOR: Congratulations, Stef. How do you rate your performance today after a straight-sets win?

STEFANOS TSITSIPAS: It was a pretty good match for a first-round match at a Grand Slam. I'm happy with the way I fought. I'm happy with the way things turned out, especially when I was down in the third set. I was just able to fight that out towards the end and give myself a chance in the tiebreak to do something, I would call it, high performance towards the end.

Yeah, great fight at the very end retrieving and getting that third set, which I was very happy with to be able to close it in that fashion.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Your record in Australia is generally pretty good. How much confidence do you have coming to Melbourne Park?

STEFANOS TSITSIPAS: I need to keep on going. I played a good match today. Of course, there are a few things that I need to implement and add to my game. I keep my mind open. I'm looking forward to get back on court and work on things and get ready for my next match.

Q. Coming from Greece, there obviously aren't a bunch of ATP tournaments there. Playing in Australia, is it in some way the closest you get to playing at home given how many Greek flags?

STEFANOS TSITSIPAS: When I step out on the court, I get to see all the Greek flags in the stadium cheering for me. That's the closest thing it gets to having something at home.

It's very helpful 'cause I know that I am out on the court doing my job, but I also have a crowd and a bunch of people out there cheering me up and giving me their energy when I'm performing and doing my thing.

There's no reason for me not to feel like it. I feel like everything is going my way. I feel like everything is looking very optimistic. The energy of the people can create a very good mental space.

Q. The United Cup team atmosphere, did that amplify that sense of belonging, having a community of support?

STEFANOS TSITSIPAS: It's valuable in tennis. We've been lacking team spirit event for a long time. I know Davis Cup has been around for a long time. There's nothing like United Cup, in my opinion. You get to psychologically face both women and men, which I believe is the different psychology when it comes to tennis.

It's an exciting event that I'm happy was sort of created this year. I'm happy also that Greece has been given a chance to do something in a United Cup format.

I know we've played ATP Cup before. The United Cup I believe is our best format that we can actually do something and even win it at some point.

It's very thrilling. The team spirit, it is honestly the best I could ask for. I know we don't have top hundred players as No. 2s in our team, but we're all very enthusiastic and put a lot of energy when we are both playing, but also when we are supporting each other.