Tsitsipas philosophical as Greek grieves late grandmother

Greek tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas on Monday revealed that he learned of his grandmother's death just minutes before his epic five-set French Open final loss to Novak Djokovic on Sunday.

In an Instagram post early Monday morning, the 22-year-old dedicated his first Grand Slam final to her after Djokovic overturned a two-set deficit to win.

"Five minutes before entering the court my very beloved grandmother lost her battle with life. A wise woman whose faith in life, and willingness to give and provide can't be compared to any other human being that I have ever met," Tsitsipas wrote of the grandmother on his father's side of the family.

"It's important to have more people like her in this world. Because people like her make you come alive. They make you dream."

Tsitsipas is widely considered the natural heir to tennis' "Big Three" of Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal but, after receiving the bad news, he said there are more important things in life than winning trophies.

"Life isn't about winning or losing. It's about enjoying every single moment in life whether that's alone or with others," he wrote.

"Living a meaningful life without misery and abjection. Lifting trophies and celebrating wins is something, but not everything."

Tsitsipas appeared on his way to victory in Sunday's final before Djokovic mounted a trademark comeback to claim his 19th major title, 6-7(6), 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.

"What I learned today is that no matter what, in order for the match to be finished, you have to win three sets and not two," Tsitsipas said. "Two sets doesn't really mean anything."

Not against Djokovic, who overcame a two-set deficit for the second time in the tournament and the sixth time in his career. He took a bathroom break following the second set and dominated thereafter.

"I don't know what happened there, but he came back like a different player suddenly," Tsitsipas said.

"He played really well. He gave me no space. I don't think I have regrets. Could have easily cried, but I see no reason for me crying because I tried everything. I couldn't come up with anything better."

The turnaround was surprising because the Greek was by far the fresher player in the first two sets.

"I felt like my rhythm was off; I really don't know why," Tsitsipas said. "It was very strange considering that I started off finding my rhythm, finding my shots, and my movement on the court was perfect. And suddenly I just felt cold and out of it. I felt like I kind of lost my game a little bit. I really wish I could understand why."

Agencies via Xinhua