Stefanos Tsitsipas revealed he received the heartbreaking news of his grandmother’s death just five minutes before the French Open final.
The 22-year-old was playing his first major final, which he ended up losing to Novak Djokovic in five sets despite him winning the first two.
Afterwards, he used his social media to inform fans of what happened as he was preparing to take to the court in Paris, although he in no way offered it as an excuse for the result.
“Life isn’t about winning or losing,” Tsitsipas said. “It’s about enjoying every single moment in life whether that’s alone or with others,” said the Greek.
“Living a meaningful life without misery and abjection. Lifting trophies and celebrating wins is something, but not everything.
“Five minutes before entering the court my very beloved grandmother lost her battle with life. A wise woman whose faith in life, and willingness to give and provide can’t be compared to any other human being that I have ever met.
“It’s important to have more people like her in this world. Because people like her make you come alive. They make you dream. I would like to say that regardless of the day, circumstance or situation, this is entirely dedicated to her, and only her.
“Thank you for for raising my father. Without him this wouldn’t have been possible.”
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