Greek tennis player ‘back on track’ after tough months

The Greek track created quite a stir last year by winning no fewer than 26 consecutive matches. His winning streak did not go unnoticed, and Andy Murray, among others, appreciated. The series is in stark contrast to recent months: since the ABN AMRO tournament in Rotterdam in mid-February, it has lost five times in a row in the opening round.

“I’ve had a few tough months but I think I’m back on the right track now and I’m fine,” said the Greek track (25), who stunned Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina at Roland Garros.

“I had personal issues, I was sick and had injuries. Things didn’t go well. The real sense of playing wasn’t there, and in the weeks he was in the States 100% sharpness was missing. How could that be? Accumulation of certain things I had some mental and private problems that took away my passion for tennis. I was busy with things other than tennis.”

Last week in Geneva, the Greek track already had an encouraging result by reaching the quarter-finals. “I’m really looking forward to it again and that was also a little different. Now I’m 100 per cent busy with tennis again and ready to do whatever I can. Now it’s a matter of working hard to get back into shape soon.” “That drop was close too. If you saw how well it went last year. I’ve also given up something in the last couple of months and didn’t do what I had to do.”

On Wednesday, the Greek track will meet American Brandon Nakashima, who beat Kamel Majsherzak of Poland in five sets on Monday. “I was only able to play tennis here for an hour before the tournament and I came from Geneva with some aches and pains. Now it’s a matter of spending good hours and making sure my body is ready.”

The Greek track in the main tournament for Roland Garros for the first time. It also doubles with Botic van de Zandschulp. One of the Greek track coaches, Raymond Slaughter, will not be around this week. Dennis Schenk takes over the duties in Paris.