By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday, March 9, 2025
Indian Wells, California – Stefanos Tsitsipas was facing a slump. Despite making strides during practice sessions, those improvements weren’t translating into match success. It was time for a change, and change he did.
Fresh off a hard-fought victory in Dubai last month—remarkably his first hardcourt win since 2023—Tsitsipas took to social media with a cheeky post: “They said my game was sinking so I got myself a boat.”
When asked about this statement on Sunday, he candidly spoke to reporters during a press conference at the BNP Paribas Open.
“The last few months weren’t amazing for me,” he admitted following his decisive 6-3, 6-3 victory over Matteo Berrettini at Indian Wells. “I didn’t get any significant wins that made me feel my game was progressing. That caption pretty much summed up my recent experiences.”
Tsitsipas is known for his witty one-liners on his social media, but this post was grounded in genuine frustration. After slipping out of the Top 10, he felt lost and was grappling to regain his form.
“I just enjoy a bit of humor. It doesn’t hurt,” he smiled.
It’s become common knowledge that Tsitsipas recently switched to a new racquet. Though he hasn’t disclosed the brand—it’s still an anonymous, blacked-out frame—he explained his decision to switch without directly naming the racquet during the press session.
“I was seeking avenues for improvement,” he explained. “Some opponents were outpowering me, playing more aggressive tennis. I’ve always been known to play robust tennis, but it wasn’t enough anymore. I realized I needed to address that.”
Rumors suggest his new racquet features a 16” x 20” string pattern, offering him enhanced spin and power. Some say his groundstrokes are now clocking in at nearly 5 MPH faster than before the switch.
On Sunday, Tsitsipas showcased his renewed assertiveness from the get-go. He surrendered just eight points on his serve and dominated with the serve-plus-one strategy. He unmistakably exudes more confidence than he did just a month ago, prior to his racquet upgrade.
“It felt as though I couldn’t replicate my practice performance during matches,” Tsitsipas reflected. “In practice, I was playing exceptionally well, winning sets against skilled opponents. But when it came to matches, things didn’t click. I had to be patient.”
“Enhancing my game with a few changes has now boosted my confidence when stepping onto the court.”
