The Nitto ATP Finals has started as the top players in the world clash for the final time. Two singles matches have been played so far. Stefanos Tsitsipas made news on the court and off the court. He and Carlos Alcaraz had an awkward moment during the event. The fans noticed the tension between the two as they began aiming for Tsitsipas.
The Greek player greeted his team on his way to the court. Tsitsipas was shaking hands and gave a hug to Paula Badosa. She was standing next to Alcaraz as Tsitsipas ignored him. Both players did not make eye contact as the 25-year-old kept on walking. “He wanted a kiss!,” commented a fan after watching the video.
He wanted a kiss!
— Anna Zofia Niezgodzka (@Anna_Niezgodzka) November 12, 2023
Some hardcore Alcaraz fans didn’t like this gesture from Tsitsipas.
Did Titsipas snub Carlos. Not surprised, he said Carlos wasn’t that different just hits the ball harde. Bit still Titsipas can’t beat him!
— catmat (@cathysm48127248) November 12, 2023
Oh Tsitsipas you will neeeever be famous. https://t.co/ScoysEiS2u
— It’s Jose Hum (@joosehumfm) November 12, 2023
Carlos wanted no part of the foolishness 😂
— Greg (@HotBoyNY1) November 12, 2023
However, some fans understood that we can’t blame Tsitsipas when his girlfriend Paula Badosa is near him.
Carlos wanted no part of the foolishness 😂
— Greg (@HotBoyNY1) November 12, 2023
While Alcaraz plays the event for the first time, Tsitsipas plays in his fifth successive year. Alcaraz is in group red, while Tsitsipas is in group green. Group Red has not started playing matches yet, as Alcaraz will start the procession against Alexander Zverev.
Tsitsipas has yet to record victory against Carlos Alcaraz
Tsitsipas and Alcaraz have played five matches against each other. The 20-year-old has won all five and has only lost three sets. Their quarterfinal match in Barcelona last year saw Tsitsipas going for a body shot, which narrowly missed Alcaraz’s face as he stood at the net. The world No.2 stared at his opponent for a few seconds before taking a seat and calming down.
Tsitsipas has described Alcaraz as one of the most talented players on tour. He said that even though Alcaraz is young, he has been able to inspire older players. The world No.6 appreciated Alcaraz’s energy on the court and ability to hit the ball hard. Tsitsipas mentioned that the young player pushes others to play better and has become an obstacle for all the players.
Stefanos Tsitsipas gives out bizarre justification after match against Jannik Sinner
Tsitsipas lost the opening match at the Nitto ATP Finals for the fourth year. He was playing against Jannik Sinner for the eighth time on tour. Sinner hit 21 winners and did not concede a single break point in the match. The Italian has now won three matches against Tsitsipas. The loss now puts the two-time grand slam finalist at the bottom of the green group.
“I’m not Elastic Girl” 🦸♀️
A characteristically original @steftsitsipas reflection after his #NittoATPFinals opener… pic.twitter.com/bPthJ7siG4
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) November 12, 2023
Tsitsipas was asked about Sinner after the match in the press conference. He said that the Italian played well and there was nothing much he could do. Tsitsipas said, ” I’m not the Elastic Girl from the superheroes to be behind these balls. I tried my best.” The Greek No.1 will next play against Holger Rune and hopes to record his first win over the Danish player in their third meeting on tour.