Stefanos Tsitsipas says the Laver Cup gave him a unique chance to have one of the most special experiences because he will never forget getting to know Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal personally but also picking up their brains by talking to them and observing their moves.
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Exactly five years ago, the now 26-year-old made his debut at the Laver Cup which was launched by the Swiss tennis icon and his agent Tony Godsick. That year, the event was held in Geneva and the Greek tennis star even got a chance to team up with Federer and Nadal in separate doubles matches for Team Europe.
While both of those two doubles matches finished in Tsitsipas and his partners losing in three-set thrillers, Team Europe still claimed the victory in the end after edging out Team World 13-11.
It brought me closer to my heroes. It brought me closer to their personalities and what they feel like in real life. I was able to admire them in a different way, on a different scale than I was before. And getting to meet them, getting to talk to them in a way that I dont usually do when Im on the regular tour. It brought a lot of emotions and a lot of great memories," the two-time Grand Slam finalist told the Laver Cup website.
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Tsitsipas on why watching Federer, Nadal was so big for him
That year, the Greek won his lone singles match after beating Taylor Fritz. On the other side, the Swiss played and won both of his singles matches while the Spaniard also triumphed in the one singles clash he played against Milos Raonic.
I wasnt just watching any regular tennis there. I was witnessing legacy. I was observing how their body language is, what makes them such incredible athletes, and for me, it was just a learning experience," Tsitsipas added.
Since then, the 26-year-old has made two more appearances at the Laver Cup. And next weekend in Berlin, he is slated to take part at the event for the fourth time.
Unfortunately for Tsitsipas, there won't be Nadal this time after the 22-time Grand Slam pulled out of the tournament on Thursday.
