Tsitsipas warns his rivals: "This victory is a statement of intent"

Diego Jiménez Rubio - 12 Oct 2026 | 11:24
Stefanos Tsitsipas ATP ATP Shanghái 2026 Rueda de prensa Taylor Fritz

The Greek emphasizes his victory against Fritz in Shanghai and reveals the keys to his improvement in recent months.

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Stefanos Tsitsipas speaks after defeating Fritz in Shanghai. Photo: gettyimages

Stefanos Tsitsipas has become one of the major protagonists of the day at the ATP Masters 1000 Shanghai 2026 after his great victory over Taylor Fritz. It had been a long time since the Greek was seen competing at this level, as he himself acknowledged in a press conference where he explained what he is doing to return to his level.

There are more than enough reasons to feel excited about the return of Stefanos Tsitsipas to a high competitive level. After nearly two years in total ostracism and losing focus on his professional career, the Greek has rediscovered himself and his love for this sport, finding a balance between personal and professional life that helps him recover a great version of his tennis. He demonstrated this against Fritz at the ATP Masters 1000 Shanghai 2026 and his words in the press conference reaffirm this.

This is what Stefanos Tsitsipas said after defeating Fritz in Shanghai

Importance of this victory for him

"This is a victory that represents a clear statement of intentions. I have beaten a player who has been demonstrating his level at the top of the ATP circuit for many years. He has consistently competed in finals and has gone very far in major tournaments, both in the Masters 1000 and in the Grand Slams.

For me, it is an important victory. I knew I would have to face many difficulties, especially due to his serve. It's easy to lose concentration for a split second and suddenly stop controlling your own serve and find yourself facing a break.

That is what happened today with Taylor. We both had to be very attentive with our serves. Sometimes a small opportunity appears, one or two points where you can do something, and that’s what happened in the end. I’m very happy to have been able to concentrate mentally on those crucial points and get the break at that moment".

Change in mentality and growing confidence in his tennis

"Today I visualized this match and tried to imagine myself in a winning situation. I have always had great battles against him. Some of the most important matches of my career I have played with him on the other side of the court. I had to elevate my level of play. When I started doing that, many doors opened for me and I was able to unleash my full potential".

"I feel good. I have confidence with both my backhand and forehand, and I also try to incorporate variety into my game. It’s not all about having strength and hitting the ball as hard as possible.

It’s important to change the rhythm, vary the shots, and try to open the court. I try to alternate the spins, play with a bit more topspin, or hit more flat. During exchanges, I work on all the options I have to keep improving to the maximum. I want playing against me to be as uncomfortable as possible for my opponents".

Stefanos Tsitsipas still has a lot to say in professional tennis, and many already interpret this ATP Masters 1000 Shanghai 2026 as the definitive sign of a forthcoming strong resurgence. He will seek a spot in the quarter-finals of the Chinese tournament against the winner of the match between Medvedev and Svrcina.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Tsitsipas avisa a sus rivales: "Esta victoria es una declaración de intenciones"