In a shocking turn of events, Roland Garros finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas crashed out of the Wimbledon in the first round. He lost to United States’ Frances Tiafoe in straight sets 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 to pile up the misery. This was his third opening round exit for the Greek at Wimbledon in his last four appearances.

The youngster who was wonderful at the Roland Garros did not play any events in the buildup to Wimbledon. Also, fatigue from a long clay court season can be a factor that led to this result.

He admitted at the post-match press conference that playing a few grass court events in the buildup to Wimbledon could have been beneficial for him.

“I was thinking maybe I should have played the week before Wimbledon, either Mallorca or Eastbourne, I’m not sure,” Tsitsipas said. “Any of these tournaments would have helped, for sure, get me in a better shape, get my tennis ready for the grass court season.”

However, he did not forget to credit his American opponent as he was a livewire down the stretch. Tiafoe showed great character and aggression from the start till finish whereas Tsitsipas looked very jaded and far from his best.

“Fair to say he played really well,” added Tsitsipas. “I wasn’t able to maintain the intensity. I wasn’t able to put something better than him. It ended up going his way. I was a bit more passive. I didn’t approach my game with the same strategy.”

The current World No. 4 was honest enough to admit that he lacked the motivation to play against Tiafoe. However, denied admitting that as a reason for the loss. It is shocking that Tsitsipas has never progressed beyond the fourth round in Wimbledon but he assures that he has the attributes to do a whole lot better in the grass.

There have been times when I was much more motivated than this but that is not a reason for me not to play well. Again, I’d like to pinpoint & say I have all the qualities to play on grass. I haven’t had a lot of matches on grass,” the Roland Garros finalist signed off.