Stefanos Tsitsipas once exclusively played doubles with his brother Petros, a testament to their sibling bond. However, their decision paid off as they clinched their first ATP title in Antwerp, proving it was indeed the right choice.
European Open in Antwerp
The Tsitsipas siblings secured their inaugural ATP doubles championship at the European Open, Antwerp, with a 6-7 (5), 6-4, 10-8 victory over Uruguayan player Ariel Behar and Czech player Adam Pavlasek.
Despite conceding the closely contested first set, they rebounded impressively in the second match, gaining a 3-0 lead and ultimately triumphing in the second and third sets.
The Greek Brothers on their first ATP doubles title
The victory also signified the first tour title for his brother, Petros. In an interview, Petros expressed his gratitude for the chance to compete alongside his brother on a significant stage.
“I consider myself very lucky to have this opportunity to play with him in the biggest events. I think that’s what every player dreams of as a kid, to be on such a stage and perform and experience so many emotions, so many nice feelings. Yeah, I cannot ask for anything else. That was our dream since we were kids,” Petros said, as per Greek City Times.
Stefanos & Petros Tsitsipas shared a big embrace after winning their first doubles title together.
From a small town in Greece to winning side by side.
Only these two understand what it took to get here.
But they got here together. 🥹🇬🇷 pic.twitter.com/Nwzi997JTg
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 22, 2023
Stefanos, on the other hand, remarked that his first doubles championship with his brother Petros struck him different and was more memorable than any of his solo victories.
“There are certainly a lot of emotions. I must say that I have played a lot of tournaments in my life, I have won a lot of titles, and I have great memories. But this one struck me in a different way, and I can say with great confidence that it is probably one of the most emotional and important moments of my career, even more than the singles titles,” Stefanos said of their victory, as per The Tennis Letter.
He also added that winning the doubles was surreal.
“Being able to win with my brother is unimaginable. We were little kids running around hitting tennis balls and it would never have occurred to us that we would have the opportunity to play ATP 250, 500 or 1000. I would like to thank Petros and everyone who made this possible. We have come a long way and I really hope we can continue to do so. And that we can support each other in our own way and make this journey a dream.”
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