Verstappen inspiration for top tennis player Tsitsipas: 'Be more like him'

Top tennis player Stefanos Tsitsipas was in the final of the ABN Amro-tournament in Rotterdam on Sunday, but lost against Félix Auger-Aliassime. The number four of the world, who was one of the big crowd pleasers for this edition of the Dutch tournament, told prior to the final that Max Verstappen is an inspiration to him.

Tsitsipas shared in December in the revelry of Red Bull, which is a sponsor of the Greek tennis player. He was present at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and thus saw Verstappen become world champion from very close range. He sees the Dutchman as an inspiration, especially because of his approach.

"Verstappen is a fighter and someone who believes in his own abilities," the 23-year-old Greek told the AD. He sees many similarities between the two top sports, especially mentally and the required focus that comes with it.

Tsitsipas says he likes to see how determined Verstappen is. "If I can be more like him, I think I'll win more," he observes. The young tennis player, who hopes to win his first Grand Slam in 2022, still has plenty of time for that.