It would make sense to see Stefanos Tsitsipas competing one day on the South American ATP swing: clay is his favourite surface and the Greek enjoys discovering vibrant cities and cultures. Yet he does not, because, he says, the money on offer is not enough.
“I’ve never received good offers to go there; when the financial gap is big, you really have no option but to stick with what supports your career,” the Greek told CLAY in an interview conducted in Australia, also published by RG Media.
The three-time Monte Carlo Masters champion on clay and 2019 Roland Garros finalist explained why he has never played in Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro or Santiago: “I’ll be direct and honest: from a financial standpoint, it’s understandable that I choose other destinations instead of South America. All players choose tournaments based on guarantees as well. That’s how tennis works.”
“South America has never offered me a deal good enough to seriously consider it. The Middle East has always been much better in terms of appearance fees. The European swing has also provided strong financial incentives. That makes a difference,” Tsitsipas, the former world No. 3, told CLAY.
“There’s that passion in South America that I sometimes set aside, but when the financial gap is large, you really have no choice but to go with what backs your career. I would love to play there. It’s always been my dream to visit South America and I’ve heard wonderful things about it,” he added.
Tsitsipas acknowledged that he has a broad fan base in a region he has yet to visit: “I also have many fans there, and I can see it through the activity on my social media and the constant interaction with followers from that part of the world.”
The former world No. 3 is set to fall out of the top 40 after nearly eight years, having failed to defend his title at the ATP 500 in Dubai, which he won in 2025. He lost in the first round to France’s Ugo Humbert, 6–4, 7–5.
Stefanos Tsitsipas and Stan Wawrinka immerse themselves in the spirit of Iftar 🌙✨ pic.twitter.com/csolRWi6bF
— Dubai Tennis Champs (@DDFTennis) February 23, 2026
In an interview with CLAY during last year’s US Open, Apostolos Tsitsipas, his father and coach, spoke about the possibility of changing direction in February: “We had many conversations about it this year. Last year he did well in Dubai, so we wondered whether to follow that path or go to clay. We haven’t decided yet. We’re still weighing the pros and cons. Buenos Aires, Rio and Santiago are great tournaments and great cities, but the calendar right after Australia makes it complicated. Still, it’s always an option.”
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The 2021 Australian Open runner-up continues to accumulate disappointments. After the year’s first Grand Slam in Melbourne, he admitted his frustration: “I’m very disappointed. I had some goals that I couldn’t achieve. It’s been a while since I’ve won several matches in a row at a Grand Slam, and it’s frustrating to find myself in this position again, unable to reach the second week of a major.”
The Greek will resume working with coach Dimitris Chatzinikolaou, with whom he previously collaborated after parting ways with his father. He does not want Apostolos by his side all the time: his father will accompany him to around 70 per cent of tournaments in 2026.
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