Stefanos Tsitsipas ranted about his backhand throughout a shock loss to Kazakhstan’s Alexander Shevchenko because the Greek tennis star dropped an expletive and lamented that it was “impossible to do anything with it.”
Normally, the two-time Grand Slam finalist’s backhand is certainly one of his largest property.
However on Monday, it wasn’t clicking properly and that is one of many the explanation why the world No. 78 claimed a shock 6-4 7-6 (0) win.
Down by a set and a break halfway by means of the second set, Tsitsipas aired his frustration on Staff Greece bench.
“My backhand doesn’t go anywhere. I need to put a (expletive) truck behind it for it to go. It’s impossible to do anything with it,” the world No. 11 was heard saying.
Stefanos Tsitsipas during the changeover in his match against Shevchenko at United Cup
“My backhand doesn’t go anywhere. I need to put a f****** truck behind it for it to go. It’s impossible to do anything with it.” 💀💀 pic.twitter.com/lsENVibFG4
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) December 30, 2024 Tsitsipas then got the break back but still lost the match
After letting off some of his frustration, the 26-year-old managed to instantly get the break back when the match resumed and tie the set to four games apiece before ultimately forcing a tie-break.
But then in the tie-break, the Greek inexplicably completely shut down and didn’t win a single point.
While Tsitsipas didn’t have a great day at the office, it was the complete opposite for Shevchenko, who declared it one of his best wins.
“I believe he was not at his greatest immediately however nonetheless I performed very well and I discovered the moments to win the match. It’ll positively go in my document as certainly one of my greatest wins,” the 24-year-old said afterward.
“I used to be risking with my backhand down the road and it labored out very well. I have been dreaming of enjoying this occasion… it is unbelievable to be right here enjoying on this court docket.”
Alexander Shevchenko© United Cup/X – Fair Use
Since Maria Sakkari also lost to Elena Rybakina in the following match, Greece exited the United Cup in the group stage.
During the event, Tsitsipas went 1-1 since he beat Pablo Carreno Busta on Saturday.
