Stefanos Tsitsipas stormed into the quarterfinals of the National Bank Open in Toronto after beating Russia’s Karen Khachanov. The Greek star overcame his challenge pretty easily and the win was all the more special as it came on his 23rd birthday.

During his post-match press conference, Tsitsipas revealed that he sets goals and objectives in his career which he likes to achieve every year.

“It’s not that I put goals depending on my age,” Tsitsipas said. “I set goals every year regardless of what my age is.

“So far, most of my goals have been completed, and, you know, I still have a few months to go to complete 100% all of my goals,” he added. “You know, that pumps me up. I feel like I’m very close. I feel like I have what it takes to finish the year strong.”

The 23-year-old Greek tennis star expressed his desire to be younger as he sometimes feels that he should be 16. “There aren’t any benefits that you get when you turn 23,” the Greek said. “I just wish sometimes I was 16 instead of 23, but it’s alright. I accept it and move on.”

He was going through a rough patch heading into Toronto. He got knocked out in the third round after losing to Ugo Humbert at the Tokyo Olympics. But he was at his best against Khachanov, defeating the Russian, 6-3, 6-2.

After the win, Tsitsipas admitted that he feels in his element at the Aviva Tennis Center in Toronto. It was here he broke through in 2018 and reached the finals and became a star player from this generation.

“Court speed is good. Same one as I remember last time that I played here,” Tsitsipas replied when asked whether he was comfortable on the courts in Toronto.

The Greek will now take on Norway’s Casper Ruud for the quarterfinals clash. Ruud is a very tricky customer and has already defeated Tsitsipas earlier this year.

“Yeah, looking forward to that battle,” Tsitsipas said. “You know, we have played with each other in the past. Not an easy guy to play against. You know, looking for a change, looking for a switch-up this time.”