Tsitsipas "a completely different person" since being torn apart at 2019 Wimbledon

HIGHLIGHTS: Tsitsipas denied by Djokovic in Roland Garros final

Third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas looked calm and composed as he sat in the press room at Wimbledon, taking questions before the start of the tournament. It was a very different scene from his previous appearance there, downcast and emotional following a first-round exit in 2019.

"It was kind of something that tore me apart," he reflected.

Since then, he's reached a career-high No. 4 ranking, two Grand Slam semifinals and is coming off reaching his first Grand Slam final at the French Open two weeks ago. But it's not just the circumstances that have changed—Tsitsipas says he has, too.

"I was a completely different person to who I am now. I can tell you that right now I'm feeling happy every single day. I'm grateful that I'm able to do what I love," he said. "It's been a beautiful journey. In my personal growth, I see no difference whether I win this tournament.

"There's no reason for such disappointment or so much trauma, anymore."

His game has also developed, Tsitsipas notes, adding, "I will probably say not as confident as I am now. I relied a lot on my confidence back then. Most certainly I didn't really have Plan B or Plan C. I just kind of had my one way of playing. That was also because of lack of experience, not being on the tour for long enough."

During his rise this season, Tsitsipas has shown improved fitness and more spin and weight of shot to go along with his one-handed backhand and aggressive game that should favor this surface.

"Honestly, grass is a surface that I love," he said. "I think I'm a player that can come to the net. I'm confident when it comes to serving and volleying, moving in. The surface has become slightly slower, has been adapted more for baseline players."

Though he has not played since his defeat from two sets up against Novak Djokovic in the French Open final, Tsitsipas came straight from Paris to London, and has eight days of practice on grass.

"I had a few days off for relaxation, some good physiotherapy, and rehab for my body to be ready for the grass-court season," he said, though noting he needs more competitive play. "I've played a few practice sets. I'm feeling all right on grass. I think it will take a few matches for me to start gaining more confidence.

"I rely a lot on playing matches, getting confident through the process of winning. I haven't had that opportunity yet."

Tsitsipas plays Frances Tiafoe in the first round Monday, a match scheduled for second on No.1 Court.