“Tough losses are important for my career” – Tsitsipas admits defeat to Nadal was painful but necessary in 2019 Australian Open

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5 years ago

Stefanos Tsitsipas during one of his matches before ATP suspended all tennis related activities due to the coronavirus crisis. (Getty Images)

World No.6 Stefanos Tsitsipas’s semifinal appearance in the Australian Open last year is his best-ever Grand Slam performance to date

Greek tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas has opened up about his 2019 Australian Open defeat to Rafael Nadal, admitting it was a ‘painful’ experience.

The current World No.6 was recollecting memories of his humiliating defeat at the hands of World No.2 Nadal, admitting that the defeat felt painful, however, it was a necessary one.

Rafael Nadal put on a great show against Roger Federer at the Match for Africa (Getty)

Tsitsipas had earlier knocked out Swiss maestro Roger Federer in the fourth round and looked in good form until he was knocked out of the tournament in the semi-final by Nadal.

Despite his excellent show in the tournament, the Greek was humbled by the former World No.1, who made it look like an easy affair winning the game in straight sets.

A dominant Nadal made Tsitsipas a mere spectator of the game by inflicting a 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 defeat, which the Greek has now admitted as being a painful one.

“Tough losses are important for my career as they make me want to come back stronger, and without them I feel like I’m perfect: which I’m not,” Tsitsipas told ATPTour.com on that defeat to Rafael Nadal (h/t Tennis Head).

Tsitsipas cannot hide his excitement after overthrowing Swiss maestro Roger Federer in the third round of the Australian Open last year. (Getty Images)

“They are crucial for everyone. That semi-final loss was painful, even though it was in three sets. I came so close to reaching a Grand Slam final, something I have always dreamed of doing. I also didn’t deliver much in that match, he played well,” the Greek continued.

“It was a shame, as I’d played well in the two weeks. I went back to the court two days [later] and started to improve. You can’t hit winners and aces all of the time, but I had this let-down [last] summer,” Tsitsipas said.

Tsitsipas elusive wait continues

Tsitsipas’ elusive wait for a maiden Grand Slam title continues since turning professional, back in 2016.

Stefanos Tsitsipas and Milos Raonic shake hands after the latter knocked out the former in the third round of the recently concluded Australian Open. (Getty Images)

His best-ever display at a Major tournament happened last year when he entered the semi-finals of the Australian Open. However, Tsitsipas could not emulate his performances from last year as he lost to Canadian Milos Raonic 7-5, 6-4, 7-6 in the third round to crash out of the tournament.