By Ben Phillips
Wimbledon 2025 – Day 7: Tsitsipas Seeking Self-Awareness, Sinner talks team changes and Draper feeling better
Tsitsipas seeking Self-Awareness
With Wimbledon just a day away, Day 2 of media duties at SW19 gave players a final opportunity to share insights ahead of the most prestigious fortnight in tennis. Among those speaking today was Stefanos Tsitsipas, the former world No. 3 who enters this year’s Championships ranked 26th in the world, a clear indication of the turbulent form he’s experienced over the past 12 months.
But while the rankings may have dipped, the Greek star remains reflective, grounded, and fully aware of what he needs to address heading into a surface that has historically challenged him more than the others.
When asked by QualityShot Tennis whether he feels a need to become less dependent on the input of coach Goran Ivanisevic, Tsitsipas was open and introspective.
“Yes, I think we are trying to figure out how I bring back my sense of self and self-awareness of mistakes,” he said, acknowledging that elite tennis demands more than just tactical preparation; it requires personal trust in decision-making.
Tsitsipas is known for his flowing one-handed backhand and creative shot-making, but in recent times, there’s been a noticeable search for clarity and rhythm in his game. Reuniting with a coach as experienced as Ivanisevic, who guided Novak Djokovic to multiple Wimbledon titles, has certainly added valuable expertise, but Tsitsipas made clear that the process now is just as much about reconnecting with his own instincts.
“We’re working out how I apply my biggest strengths to games,” he continued. Those strengths, his serve, forehand, and ability to command points with variety, have never been in doubt. But on grass, those weapons must function with precision, and small weaknesses are often punished more severely than on slower surfaces.
Tsitsipas was also candid about the elements of his game that remain a work in progress.
“My return of serve and slice could improve,” he admitted. “These are things we are constantly trying to put touches on.”
His return, in particular, has drawn scrutiny in recent years, often cited as a weakness when facing top-tier servers, especially on slick grass courts. Likewise, the slice, a tool so often critical on this surface for neutralising pace and changing rhythm, is something Tsitsipas appears keen to sharpen.
Off the court, he also addressed the adjustments he’s been making to his racket setup, an area that has garnered attention in recent months.
“Yes, it’s sorted,” he confirmed. “The game has been changed a lot over the last few years.”
Indeed, the ever-evolving nature of modern tennis, where racquet technology, strings, and even grip weights can have massive tactical implications, has meant that top players like Tsitsipas are constantly experimenting to find the perfect feel. With the margins so fine at this level, any tweak that improves timing or ball contact can offer a real edge.
Despite his recent ranking slide, Tsitsipas still possesses a top 10 level game on his day and remains one of the most talented and marketable players in the sport. Grass may not be his most natural surface, but with a game built around variety and creativity, he’s more than capable of causing problems for anyone if he finds his groove.
Wimbledon offers the perfect stage for a resurgence. And with a renewed focus on self-awareness, a stable racket setup, and the backing of a legendary coach, Stefanos Tsitsipas will step onto the lawns of SW19 with the hope that this year’s tournament marks a turning point in his journey back to the top.
Sinner Calm and Confident Amid Team Changes Ahead of Title Bid
As the world’s top-ranked player and one of the favourites to lift the Wimbledon trophy this year, Jannik Sinner stepped into media day with quiet confidence, a composed demeanour, and a message that any off-court changes have done little to disrupt his momentum.
The Italian star recently made headlines with the surprise news that he had split from long-time trainer Marco Panichi and physiotherapist Ulises Badio, key figures in the team that helped elevate him to the top of the game. But when Quality Shot Tennis asked him about the decision, Sinner was quick to downplay any speculation of behind-the-scenes turmoil.
“Nothing major happened. Nothing big happened,” he said calmly. “I parted ways not long ago, but it’s not affecting me.”
Sinner’s words carried a tone of maturity and clarity that fans have come to associate with the 22-year-old. Unlike some players who struggle to find stability when reshaping their support teams, Sinner insisted he feels as prepared as ever to take on Wimbledon.
“I feel ready to compete. I feel free,” he added. “I feel me and my team, we are ready to do the best we can.”
It’s the kind of statement you’d expect from someone who has won three Grand Slams in the last 12 months, including this year’s Australian Open, and who has seamlessly stepped into the role of world number one.
Sinner opens his Wimbledon campaign against fellow Italian Luca Nardi in what promises to be an intriguing first-round matchup. Although Nardi, ranked outside the top 50, will enter as a clear underdog, there’s often added pressure in facing a countryman, particularly for a world number one with a target on his back.
That said, few would bet against Sinner navigating the draw with his trademark poise. His smooth and compact groundstrokes translate well to grass, and his serve, a major area of development over the past two seasons, now gives him plenty of free points on fast surfaces. The way he dictates rallies off both wings, especially off the backhand side, makes him one of the most complete and tactically sharp players on tour.
To win Wimbledon, Sinner may need to overcome a treacherous path that could include the likes of Jack Draper, Tommy Paul, or Lorenzo Musetti, before potentially facing Carlos Alcaraz in a mouthwatering rematch of the Roland Garros final, a match that many already consider one of the greatest in history.
But as Sinner made clear, he’s not letting the occasion, or the recent changes in his camp, distract him from the task at hand.
This Wimbledon could mark another defining chapter in the Italian’s rise to greatness. And with his blend of ice-cold focus, grounded self-assurance, and ever-evolving game, Jannik Sinner looks more than ready to chase down a maiden Wimbledon crown.
Draper recovers from illness and eyes a deep Wimbledon run
Fresh from a career-high ranking and growing buzz around his Wimbledon chances, Jack Draper spoke to Quality Shot Tennis about his health, confidence, and goals heading into his home Slam.
The 22-year-old, now world number 4, struggled through his Queen’s Club campaign due to a bout of tonsillitis that visibly affected his energy levels throughout the week. Despite that, he managed to reach the semi-finals, evidence of his growing resilience and consistency on the grass.
“No, I feel good now,” Draper confirmed when asked how he was feeling post-illness. “Queens was a tough week for me, but I think giving myself a chance of reaching the final was a good week for me on reflection.”
The fact that Draper could play through illness and still post strong results has only added to the sense that he’s ready to make a serious impact at SW19. With a big lefty serve, flat backhand, and movement that belies his size, Draper has long looked suited to grass, and now, with momentum on his side and a supportive home crowd behind him, expectations are rising.
“I’m ready to find my best tennis this week,” he said, eyes fixed firmly on Wimbledon.
After a string of five-set heroics at the Australian Open and strong showings on the clay, Draper arrives on the grass as one of the dark horses to go deep. His draw is challenging, but few players will want to face him on this surface.
If he can stay healthy and ride the wave of his recent form, Jack Draper might just deliver something special for British tennis fans this fortnight.
