Tsitsipas points to need for mental toughness in current stretch

World No. 6 Stefanos Tsitsipas says the final stretch of this season is going to be more challenging mentally than physically for players, given the long break in play during the tour shutdown.

Tsitsipas, 22, played five tournaments before the hiatus and six since, including the final of Hamburg and the semifinals of Roland Garros. He described a recent leg injury as returning "back to normal" before this week's Paris Masters.

"I don't feel exhausted, because I have played not that many tournaments this year," he told press. "So I don't really have a reason to be exhausted."

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It's more that players have found it tough to adjust to the different conditions, like having no fans, he added, along with changing restrictions governments have imposed to counter rising cases of coronavirus.

"I would say that that's the biggest challenge that we are facing right now," he said.

But that's where Tsitsipas can use the increased mental toughness he's aimed to develop.

"I think this year my attitude has improved a lot," he said. "And also, my tranquility and calm on the court have given me a lot of matches and also a lot of confidence in believing in myself."

The No. 2 seed, Tsitsipas opens his Paris campaign on Tuesday against Ugo Humbert.