Stefanos Tsitsipas Prioritizes Singles in 2025 Australian Open by Withdrawing from Doubles

In a strategic move to focus entirely on securing his first Grand Slam title, Stefanos Tsitsipas has withdrawn from the men's doubles at the 2025 Australian Open, where he was set to play alongside his brother, Petros Tsitsipas.

This decision comes after a turbulent 2024 season and mounting expectations for the Greek No. 1 to perform at his best in Melbourne.

Recovery from a Challenging Year

Tsitsipas faced numerous obstacles in 2024, marking the first year since 2019 that he did not qualify for the ATP Finals. The intensified tennis calendar, incorporating more two-week Masters 1000 events, contributed to his struggles. Despite previously expressing support for these changes in a 2022 discussion with ATP president Andrea Gaudenzi—a stance critiqued by Stan Wawrinka—the demands eventually took their toll. Yet, he proved his mettle by clinching his third Monte Carlo Masters title, a testament to his enduring skill, even in a tumultuous season.

Choosing Singles Over Doubles

Opting out of doubles with Petros, Tsitsipas seems intent on conserving energy for the singles competition. Although their doubles partnership has delivered significant achievements, including reaching the French Open quarterfinals in 2023 and winning the European Open, it has largely been viewed as a personal rather than strategic endeavor. Petros, ranked outside the Top 700 in singles and Top 50 in doubles, is not an ideal match for the high-stakes ambitions of Stefanos, despite the strong fraternal bond.

While there is no official explanation for this withdrawal, it mirrors a common practice among leading singles players who often forgo doubles at Grand Slams to manage their physical exertion.

A Calculated Approach to Tournament Preparation

Entering the Australian Open without participating in any warm-up tournaments, Tsitsipas is banking on rest and recovery to gear up for the event. This tactic, while providing vital recuperation time, might also leave him lacking competitive edge before the Grand Slam's commencement.

Other top competitors like Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Daniil Medvedev have adopted similar strategies, reflecting a broader trend among elite players to emphasize rest over additional match prep. Given Tsitsipas' past success in Melbourne, including a runner-up finish in 2023 against Novak Djokovic, he remains confident in his ability to perform well despite limited match practice.

Seeking Redemption in 2025

With the memories of his 2023 final appearance fresh in mind, Tsitsipas remains optimistic about his potential in the upcoming tournament. However, the path to the title is fraught with challenges, with formidable opponents such as Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Daniil Medvedev in the mix.

“The Australian Open feels like a special place for me,” Tsitsipas shared. His connection with the tournament, bolstered by the enthusiastic support of Melbourne's Greek community, fuels his determination to succeed.

Looking Ahead

As Stefanos Tsitsipas embarks on the 2025 Australian Open, the focus is squarely on his singles campaign. By streamlining his efforts, he hopes to overcome last year's hurdles and edge closer to his Grand Slam aspirations.

Whether this focused approach yields the desired results or calls for further adjustment, Tsitsipas' pursuit of victory in Melbourne promises to be one of the tournament's most compelling narratives.