Stefanos Tsitsipas, once hailed as the future of men’s tennis, has hit a career low, slipping to No. 16 in the ATP rankings as of April 2025, his lowest position since October 2018. The 26-year-old Greek star, who reached a career-high No. 3 in 2021, has endured a tumultuous year marked by inconsistent performances, coaching changes, and a failure to defend crucial ranking points. His quarterfinal exit at the 2025 Monte-Carlo Masters, where he lost to Lorenzo Musetti, cost him 800 points and triggered a dramatic eight-spot drop, ending a seven-year stint in the top 15. As Tsitsipas prepares for the Barcelona Open, the tennis world is abuzz with questions about whether he can reclaim his elite status.
Tsitsipas’s 2025 season began with promise but quickly unraveled. A fourth-round loss to Taylor Fritz at the Australian Open dashed hopes of building on his 2023 final appearance, and early exits in Rotterdam and Indian Wells exposed vulnerabilities. Despite a brief resurgence with an ATP 500 title in Dubai, where he defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 6-3 to return to the top 10, his form faltered again. “I just feel like I could have done way more today,” Tsitsipas lamented after his Monte-Carlo defeat to Musetti, a match where he struggled with errant forehands and a faltering serve. “I missed forehands I never miss… It’s difficult to accept. Feeling so confident playing on this court and not being able to win is definitely heartbreaking.”
The Monte-Carlo loss was particularly stinging. As a three-time champion (2021, 2022, and 2024), Tsitsipas had high expectations but admitted to tactical and technical shortcomings. “The serve definitely was missing… I was playing with a second serve,” he said, reflecting on how tight situations exposed his inability to control the ball. Musetti, who celebrated his ninth top-10 win, noted the challenge of facing a clay-court titan: “Especially on clay, I knew against a three-time champion, definitely not an easy job today.” The defeat not only cost Tsitsipas ranking points but also confidence as he faces a grueling clay season with 940 points to defend across Barcelona (300), Madrid (40), Rome (200), and Roland Garros (400).
Tsitsipas’s struggles extend beyond the court. Late in 2024, he spoke of feeling “stuck in a pattern” and vowed to “reinvent” himself in 2025, seeking stability in both his game and personal life. “I’m looking for a fresh, new 2025,” he said, emphasizing health and consistent improvement. Yet, his coaching setup has been in flux. Reports suggest he’s working with Novak Djokovic’s former mentor, a move that has sparked intrigue but no immediate results. His collaboration with father Apostolos Tsitsipas and other coaches like Dimitris Chatzinikolaou for Greece’s Davis Cup team hasn’t yet steadied the ship. Posts on X reflect fan concern, with one user noting, “Tsitsipas is going to have a lot of work to do to get back in the Top 10 now,” capturing the sentiment of a fanbase eager for a turnaround.
Historically, Tsitsipas has been a clay-court maestro, with three Monte-Carlo titles and a 2021 French Open final appearance. His 12 ATP singles titles, including the 2019 ATP Finals, and a 35-55 record against top-10 players underscore his pedigree. However, 2025 has seen younger stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner dominate, while Tsitsipas’s one-handed backhand—a rarity in the top ranks—hasn’t delivered the edge it once did. Roger Federer once highlighted its significance, warning that Tsitsipas’s slide could leave the top 10 without a one-handed backhand player, a trivia point that underscores his unique style.
The Barcelona Open offers a chance for redemption, but the pressure is mounting. Seeded sixth, Tsitsipas faces a tough field, including Alcaraz and defending champion Casper Ruud. His 2024 Barcelona quarterfinal run, where he showcased “miraculous volleys” and “epic backhand passes,” suggests potential, but consistency remains elusive. “I’m just hoping 2025 brings stability, a lot of health,” Tsitsipas said, a mantra he’ll need to embody to reverse his slide.
As Tsitsipas navigates this career crossroads, his resilience will be tested. The Greek star, who once dreamed of a Grand Slam and the No. 1 ranking during his 2023 Australian Open final, faces a defining moment. Can he channel the heartbreak of 2025 into a comeback, or will his slide continue? For now, the tennis world watches, hopeful that the player who electrified courts with his athleticism and flair can rediscover his spark.