The fifth-ranked Greek, who saved a set in the fourth set by defeating Jiri Vesely 7-5, 6-3, 4-7, 7-6(7) in his first Roland Garros match, suggests that his future matches with the fierce Medvedev’s rival will culminate as dance parties.
“Well, if that’s the way it’s supposed to be, I think there’s a dance after each one,” Tsitsipas told the media at Roland Garros. “No, it was fun. I wasn’t angry or upset or anything like that.
“I did the same a few months ago, so.
Medvedev’s victory over Tsitsipas gave him an 8-4 lead in the series of duels.
It was the 2021 US Open champion’s first clay court top 10 win since 2019, and secured his first clay court crown of his career.
Former Roland Garros runner-up Tsitsipas said Medvedev had redefined himself as a dancer and a clay court threat with his run in Rome.
“I knew I was dealing with a different player because he seemed to be playing well against some good opponents just before our meeting,” said Tsitsipas. “So in a way I was expecting something better. I didn’t expect so much better from what he did in the semi-final.
“But it certainly pushes me to be much more focused and determined, and a bit, not mundane, I wouldn’t say because, you know, it surprised me a bit with the consistency and power he was able to put there. But it certainly gave me a fresh idea of who he is on this surface now.
Fifth seed Tsitsipas is in the top quarter of the Roland Garros draw with world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz while second seed Medvedev anchors the bottom half of the draw.
That means their earliest potential dance would be the Roland Garros final.
Image credit: David Gray/Getty
