'It starts from the mental side.....' - Stefanos Tsitsipas opens up on injury concerns and blames hectic ATP schedule

Tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas has recently opened up about the absence of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner from the ongoing Italian Open 2024. Notably, both star players are currently injured, which forces them to withdraw from the prestigious tournament. The Greek-born star registered a great win over Cameron Norrie in the third round, which took place in Rome.

However, the 25-year-old has recently spoken about the injury concerns that make the biggest players miss the tournament. He accepted that the event would not be completed once the main players were set to miss due to grave injuries. Tsitsipas feels that these kinds of prestigious tournaments set a high standard for every player taking part in the tournament and having the chance to play in big stadiums and crowds.

"Well, it is the way it is now. It's a type of thing that hurt the sport a little bit, to have these type of things happen to the highest of the players. Without them, the show is not kind of the same. You have obviously the guys behind them. These kind of tournaments deserve names like this to be playing, active, have the opportunity to play in front of these big stadiums and crowds," Tsitsipas said.

I've spoken about the fact that the schedule has a big toll on our bodies: Stefanos Tsitsipas

The World Number 8 also criticises the hectic schedule of the players, especially at Masters 1000 events. The 25-year-old feels that players get affected mentally and physically, which increases the risk. In addition, the great player feels that back-to-back matches make the players get injured as well as play a big role in disturbing them mentally.

"I've spoken about the fact that the schedule has a big toll on our bodies. It starts from the mental side, and it follows to the physical side. The extension of the days in the Masters 1000s I think plays a massive role and contributes a lot to the fact that these players are getting injured," he added further.