Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed that Carlos Alcaraz sets “an example” to him as he discussed teaming up with the Spaniard at the Laver Cup.
World No 3 Alcaraz proved key for Team Europe on his Laver Cup debut, winning three of his four rubbers – including both his singles rubbers – to help his side regain the title after two straight losses.
While the Spaniard was making his event debut, Tsitsipas is a veteran of the event and has now triumphed in three of his four appearances.
The two-time Slam finalist has struggled in his matches against Alcaraz, losing all six of their meetings – including a straight sets loss in the French Open quarter-finals back in June.
However, the former world No 3 has now revealed that he wants to “follow” in the footsteps of the reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion, and take inspiration from watching Alcaraz courtside in Berlin.
“I watched Carlos, it’s like seeing him from that perspective is so different than watching him on TV,” said the Greek.
“In any other type of competition, I don’t really get to be that close and intimate with another top player like him.
“He’s one of the best players in the world right now, he’s won two Grand Slams this year and, to me, he’s an example.
“I really want to follow in his footsteps and watch him play live to see what kind of patterns, what kind of behaviours and what kind of body language he shows on the court.
“It’s definitely something that I try to copy and try to incorporate into my own game.”
Tsitsipas will not have to wait long to try and put anything he may have learnt from Alcaraz into practice.
The world No 12 is already in Tokyo for the Japan Open, where he is the fourth seed.
Tsitsipas faces America’s Alex Michelsen in the opening round and is projected to face second seed Hubert Hurkacz in the last four.
Alcaraz has also already landed in Asia ahead of the opening event of his Asian swing, the China Open in Beijing.
The Spaniard was beaten in the last four by Jannik Sinner a year ago and will look to potentially gain revenge over the Italian in the final this year.
Alcaraz faces Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in his opening encounter in the Chinese capital.
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