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Once considered the rising star to take on the
mantle as the "Big Three" - Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal and Novak
Djokovic - give way to a new generation, 24-year-old Tsitsipas
has yet to win a Grand Slam.
The Greek lost two major finals to Djokovic, including this
year's Australian Open title clash, and has seen younger players
like Carlos Alcaraz emerge and rise to world number one.
But Tsitsipas said he has changed his mindset to play with a
carefree attitude and not focus on the result, which helped him
beat claycourt specialist Schwartzman in straight sets.
"I've produced some really good tennis when I'm at a
psychological state of 'nothing matters and I don't care
anymore'. And I just want to play it, I don't care what the
outcome will be," Tsitsipas told reporters.
"And (in) moments like this, I have broken back. I've suddenly
found my rhythm back into the game. I guess there is lack of
expectation, lack of thought... when you're out there because
you're constantly analysing every decision.
"When you let go of that, when you - I don't like using that
word because I've never really done it in a tennis match - when
you kind of 'tank', for some players it can be very beneficial
and help them play better in a way."
Tsitsipas was at his sublime best against Schwartzman, firing 34
winners past the Argentine, including one of the shots of the
tournament - a sliding backhand winner around the post that drew
a roar from the crowd.
"We never practice that, it was a one-off," he said with a
laugh. "It was the very last millisecond when I decided, 'You
know what, forget the net, we don't need it on that particular
occasion.'
"I saw there was a gap there I could utilise and it just went
through. It was a very good, satisfying feeling getting that
winner down the line... It felt like hitting a home run."
(Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by William
Mallard)
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