Stefanos Tsitsipas says slipping out of the ATP top 50 doesn’t bother him

Stefanos Tsitsipas put on a show to beat Alex de Minaur in Monte Carlo third round

Stefanos Tsitsipas delivered a performance to remember, beating Alex de Minaur 6-3, 7-6 in the Monte Carlo Masters third round.

The Greek star was in complete control throughout, putting on a clinic against the world number six.

It hasn’t been an easy road back for Tsitsipas, who struggled with injuries and coaching issues during a difficult 2025 season that saw him drop out of the top 50.

He’s shown clear signs of improvement this year but remains outside the top 50 heading into his fourth-round clash with Arthur Fils – who is now working with Ivanisevic. Tsitsipas spoke about his current ranking situation before that match.

Tsitsipas says he is not paying attention to his current ranking

Speaking to Dutch broadcaster Ziggo Sport, Tsitsipas said: “Well, right now, honestly, it does not matter.

“Why am I saying this? Because when you’re at a certain ranking, you’re used to something else, and you find yourself in the 50s.

“Whether you’re 50 or 60 at this point, it doesn’t really matter. I’m not even checking the ranking anymore; it’s probably going to matter more when I start getting into top 20 again. Then I might start being more conscious and more caring about my status there.”

The interviewer then responded: “Trust me, I’ve heard other players say about your ranking that they’re quite disappointed that you’re so low because they’re afraid of having to face you early on.”

Tsitsipas replied: “You know, I was thinking that it kind of sucks that I get to be so low ranked in tournaments because I’m not seeded anymore.

“Soon you know I guess I will have to play a few more 250s to try and improve my ranking or do really well in this type of tournament. So I thought about that. How tough it might be for me at the moment.

“But also, it all instantly changed when I thought, ‘oh, the guys that are high-ranked right now they’re gonna have to face me early rounds.’ Which actually sucks for them as well as not as good of a feeling.

“My ranking I don’t feel kind of represents my level right now. But again, I have to build it myself. I’m not waiting for anyone to give it to me or hand it to me. This is something that I’m worthy of or not.”

A look back at Tsitsipas’ rise up the rankings

In his breakout season in 2018 – during which he reached an ATP final – Tsitsipas climbed over one hundred places from world number #91 up into the top twenty by year’s end.

A second run to an Australian Open semi-final followed in January 2021 before rising even higher after finishing runner-up at Roland-Garros later that year.

When is the Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Arthur Fils Match?

Fans in the UK can catch Tsitsipas’ match against Fils at 12:30 am GMT. Meanwhile, those on the US east coast can tune in from 8:30 pm local time. Over in Australia, coverage will get underway at 10:30 am AEDT on Monday.

Early rain disrupted the start of this year’s Australian Open, but conditions have since improved and look stable heading into this matchup.

The forecast calls for clear skies and a temperature of around 23 degrees Celsius during the match, with no rain expected to interrupt play.

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