'It’s about mental health': Stefanos Tsitsipas explains social media detox

Stefanos Tsitsipas has arrived at OAKA in Athens with mixed emotions. On one hand, he is preparing to lead Greece in the Davis Cup clash against Brazil. On the other, his recent US Open campaign ended in disappointment, with a second-round defeat to Daniel Altmaier in a grueling five-setter, 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-4, 3-6, 5-7. The Greek star admitted that both physical struggles and mental pressures continue to play a role in his performances.

“The US Open was relatively difficult because I wasn’t sure if I would even finish my first match,” Tsitsipas admitted. “In the first set I had many negative thoughts, thinking that I might stop at some point. Later, in the second and third sets, I felt much better, but it wasn’t the tournament I had hoped for.”

Despite the setback, Tsitsipas is embracing the opportunity to compete again at home. Returning to OAKA — the stadium built for the 2004 Olympics — carries deep meaning for him. “It’s really exciting to be back at OAKA. I’ve been coming here since, I think, 2010, when the Challengers were held. For me, it’s moving that after so many years we have the chance to gather and play in this stadium. It’s an incredible feeling to play here.”

Interestingly, his words also touched on Novak Djokovic, who recently moved to the southern suburbs of Athens. For Tsitsipas, having a 24-time Grand Slam champion living nearby could prove both motivating and symbolic. “I hope we can be neighbors and do some training together” he said.

“I want to be independent”: Tsitsipas explains his social media detox

Another striking revelation from Tsitsipas was his decision to step away from social media. Days ago, the Greek's Instagram account went from having one last follower—Grigor Dimitrov—to having zero followers, which was commented on by some fans on social media. “I spoke with my team that helps me with social media, and I decided to unfollow everyone. It’s not about the people I followed — it’s about wanting to be independent from it,” he explained.

He went on to admit how easily he fell into the trap of endless scrolling. “With all the travel and stress, I found peace by disconnecting through social media, which was wrong. I was releasing all my stress by going online and watching videos for hours. I realized it would be good to set a goal not to use social media for one, two, three years, or even more.”

The motivation behind the decision is as much about setting an example as it is about self-care. “My goal is to show that I’m leaving social media and give young people an incentive to step away too. It’s about mental health, something that Grigor Dimitrov, Andrey Rublev and Naomi Osaka have all mentioned. I want kids to live real life, play sports, go outside, do activities like I did when I was young.”

“I don’t want to promise too much”: Tsitsipas on Davis Cup participation

While Tsitsipas is preparing in Athens, his participation in the upcoming Davis Cup tie against Brazil is not yet guaranteed. Back problems that resurfaced at the US Open continue to trouble him. “I don’t want to promise too much because I’m trying to overcome the trauma I’ve suffered in recent weeks. I’m not sure yet, but I’ll do everything I can,” he said.

Whether or not he plays, the atmosphere at OAKA will be electric. For Tsitsipas, being surrounded by Greek fans again is a privilege he doesn’t take lightly. “It’s such a joy to play here, to reconnect with Greeks who don’t often get to see tennis. This year’s ATP 250 in Athens shows that Greek tennis is rising. I see a bright future and I’m very pleased.”