Google News Stfanos Tsitsipas comments on winning first grass title after Mallorca final thriller
by DZEVAD MESIC
Stefanos Tsitsipas said it was an incredible battle versus Roberto Bautista Agut as he was glad that he was able to escape with a tight win and lift his first grass title in Mallorca. In the Mallorca final, second-seeded Tsitsipas edged out Bautista Agut 6-4 3-6 7-6 (2) after two and a half hours of play.
“It looks like I’m playing longer matches on grass than I do on clay," joked Tsitsipas in his on-court interview, per the ATP website. "This was an incredible fight and an incredible battle. I know it can be difficult for one person to deal with the loss, but I think for tennis it is great that we are able to play at this high level and show our sport [at its limits]”.
Tsitsipas congratulates Bautista Agut
Losing a tight final in front of home fans certainly wasn't easy for Bautista Agut. After the final, Tsitsipas kept it classy as he congratulated Bautista Agut on his Mallorca campaign and also on the fight he put up in the final.
“I’d like to congratulate Roberto on your run to the final," Tsitsipas said. "You are one of the toughest competitors out there and one of the toughest guys I have played. There is lots of respect from my side for [producing] such premium tennis at such a high intensity and level.
You’ve done incredible things for our sport, especially against top players, and have proven yourself again and again, so congrats on an amazing week. I’m happy that we had such a good battle in the final”.
Grass has never been Tsitsipas' strongest surface but in Mallorca he was able to win his maiden grass title. Now, Tsitsipas heads to The All England Club for Wimbledon. In the Wimbledon first round, Tsitsipas faces Alexander Ritschard. Tsitsipas' best result at Wimbledon came in 2018, when he reached the last-16.