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Stephen Tsitsipas has shot down the idea that he might be suffering from big match nerves.
Tsitsipas has nine career ATP titles but those have come in a total of 26 finals at various levels.
He lost two Grand Slam finals in 2021, falling to Novak Djokovic in Paris and Melbourne.
Tsitsipas has lost four of his six ATP 1000 Masters finals, including back-to-back Monte Carlo wins in 2021 and 2022.
He believes he can get through the big finals by being more clinical by taking chances and cutting mistakes.
«It’s just giving a little bit of unforced errors,» Tsitsipas told Tennis Channel at the Italian Open.
“I feel like I’ve had matches with great guys, especially the finals, I’ve lost a few, I’ve lost some finals that I think I shouldn’t have.
I don’t blame him on nerves because he’s not nervous. I am ready for these matches.
«I feel like I give them unforced errors, which makes them feel a little bit uncomfortable about what they should feel. I know I have big shots. It’s just a matter of how I use them and I want to use them in the right way.»
«Sometimes I rush because I feel like I can get the job done right away, but it’s deeper than that. It’s not as easy as I make it out to be in my head.»
Tsitsipas feels he has to play a patient game and admits to being inspired by David Ferrer’s game.
«If I can get together like that, I don’t know if you remember David Ferrer as such a good fielder,» Tsitsipas said.
“Just running around the court, very consistent, over hitting or under hitting, very consistent.
«I respect him a lot because tennis makes it very difficult, of course, but visually it’s very easy. You don’t have to do something crazy to win the point.»
Tsitsipas took his first Rome Masters clash against home hopeful Lorenzo Songo before rain forced a suspension of play at the Foro Italico.
Although he has yet to claim a title on clay, Tsitsipas is considered a strong prospect for the French Open title despite being behind the likes of Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.
Read more: Carlos Alcaraz establishes French Open title despite Rome stumble
