Beaten Tsitsipas “not really that much in a rush” to become world No 1 after top spot hopes ended by Djokovic in Turin

Stefanos Tsitsipas found Novak Djokovic too hot to handle yet again in his first match of the ATP Finals on Monday, the 6-4, 7-6 (4) defeat enough to end his hopes of finishing the year ranked No 1.

The Greek had needed to win all his five matches – three group matches, the semis and final, to edge out Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal for the No 1 spot.

Now, only a first ATP Finals title for Nadal can deny Alcaraz the year-end No 1 ranking and Tsitsipas says he will just take things as they come, rather than obsess over trying to get to the top of the rankings for the first time.

“If I was to play good tennis this week, win all of my matches, for sure I deserve the spot. It shows good performance, it shows consistency,” he admitted.

“But, look, it’s not really occupying too much of my mind. I’m kind of excited that I get the opportunity to do something this week that can give me a record, a personal record, and a milestone.”

Tsitsipas confident No 1 ranking will happen one day

“I deeply believe that I can reach that spot one day,” he said. “I’m not really that much in a rush, to be honest. Of course, it would have been better if it happened this week.

“I am more here for the marathon of all. I see the bigger picture, the longer run. I have a lot of opportunities next year to play some good tennis. If it comes, I’ll be very happy, my country will be very happy, my family will be happy.

“I just have to concentrate on myself, let that thing pass. If it happens, that’s great news. But I shouldn’t be obsessing too much about it. I can be happy without it, but of course I will be slightly more fulfilled if it happens in my career.”

And Tsitsipas said he would do everything he can to qualify for the semi-finals, something that will probably requite two wins from his two remaining group matches.

“Of course, it helps a lot to start the tournament with a win, because then you get two more opportunities instead of starting with a loss and having to pick up later on,” he said.

“But I’m looking on the bright side of things. I’m happy being here. If the wins come, I’ll be obviously happier, much more motivated to keep on going. But most importantly I’m enjoying my tennis this week. It’s my number one priority.”

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