From ‘few tools’ to ‘big weapons’, Tsitsipas does a U-turn on Rublev

The Greek holds a 6-5 edge over Rublev in their head-to-head

Andrey Rublev shakes hands with Stefanos Tsitsipas after winning their group stage match at the 2022 ATP Finals

April 18, 2023

Stefanos Tsitsipas has admitted that he made a mistake when he called Andrey Rublev a player with ‘few tools’ as the Greek showered praise on the Russian in a new video on social media.

For those unaware of the backdrop, Tsitsipas had lots to Rublev at the ATP Finals in London last November, following which he said that the Russian won the match with the few tools he had.

“I felt like the better player. I could just be much more creative. I don’t even have to say that. I think it’s quite obvious,” Tsitsipas had said. “He prevailed with what few tools that he has.”

The Greek had already apologised for the remarks earlier but on Monday, in a video posted by TennisTV following Rublev’s first ATP Masters title in Monte-Carlo, Tsitsipas admitted he made a mistake earlier and described the Russian as an all-court player with big weapons.

“Look, I think he’s someone that deserves to win. He’s someone that has sort of fallen under the radar for what he can do,” the Greek player said, “He has big weapons as a player. And I’ve made a mistake in the past and I said silly things after a loss that I had recently against him. My mind was completely in another planet. So, I definitely believe he’s a very strong opponent and he can play against anyone.”

From Stef to Andrey 🙏@steftsitsipas is full of praise for @AndreyRublev97 after his Monte-Carlo title victory!#BCNOpenBS pic.twitter.com/PpMT9F5TjM
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 18, 2023

Tsitsipas further added that Rublev keeps getting better and, in the process, pushes him and the other players to improve as well.

“The good thing with Rublev, he can play on all surfaces, you know. He’s strong everywhere,” the 24-year-old said. “That is good to see because, you know, he keeps getting better and he keeps pushing us as well to get better, too.”

The two, who are playing separate ATP events this week, could face off next week when the tour heads to Spain for the Madrid Open which both players have entered.

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