Former Wimbledon semi-finalist Sam Querrey is forecasting a significant rankings surge for Stefanos Tsitsipas, suggesting the Greek star is poised to climb back toward the higher echelons of the sport by the time the French Open concludes. Speaking on the ‘Nothing Major Show’ alongside other retired American professionals, Querrey pointed to the player’s recent form on the clay courts of Madrid as evidence that he is moving past the physical and coaching difficulties that caused his standing to slip over the past year.
The endorsement arrives as the former Grand Slam finalist attempts to rebuild his career after a period of inconsistency. Having worked through various injuries and shifts in his coaching team, the Greek appears to have rediscovered his rhythm on his preferred surface. His performance in the Spanish capital has already reportedly positioned him for a move up the leaderboard, providing a much-needed boost ahead of the major tournament in Paris.
Much like how Arthur Fils and other rising stars have shifted the narrative in recent months, the focus on the veteran’s return to form has sparked debate among analysts regarding the volatility of the current circuit. For a player who was once a permanent fixture in the top five, the journey back requires stringing together consecutive deep runs at the Masters 1000 level.
Analysis from Former American Pros
While Querrey acknowledged the high level of competition remaining in the current draw, he remains optimistic about the Greek’s trajectory. He noted that even if immediate tournament wins are difficult to secure, the available points in upcoming events in Italy and France will allow for a rapid ascent. According to the retired American, the tennis world should expect to see the familiar name back among the elite seeds as the tour moves into the summer months.
Steve Johnson, another former professional on the panel, agreed that the player’s natural talent on clay makes him a perennial threat. However, Johnson also highlighted the importance of gear consistency, suggesting that finding a stable setup with his equipment will be just as vital as his tactical approach. These comments come as Arthur Fils and several others continue to disrupt the traditional hierarchy, making every ranking point crucial for established players looking to protect their seeding.
John Isner also shared his observations, focusing on the technical improvements in the Greek’s game. The former Miami Open winner noted that the aggressive forehand, which had been less effective during a difficult eighteen-month stretch, is once again dictating points. Isner suggested that when the player approaches the net with his former confidence, he remains one of the most dangerous all-court threats on the ATP tour.
Implications for the Grand Slam Seeding
The push for a higher ranking is not merely about prestige; it has practical consequences for the upcoming grass-court season. If the predictions regarding his rise hold true, the Greek could secure a seeded position for the major events in June and July. This would allow him to avoid the highest-ranked players in the opening rounds, a luxury he has lacks when sitting lower in the standings.
And yet, the immediate priority remains the demanding red clay of Europe. The primary test will be maintaining physical fitness through the grueling best-of-five set format used at Roland Garros. While some athletes have recently navigated new regulations within international sports, the challenges for the Greek have been largely related to finding the mental and physical consistency that once saw him reach the final in Paris.
Because he is reportedly defending fewer points from the previous season compared to his rivals, every victory in the coming weeks serves as a catalyst for his comeback. If Querrey’s outlook is accurate, the competitive landscape will look significantly different by mid-June, with a resurgent veteran rejoining the conversation dominated by the younger generation. The next few weeks in Italy and France will serve as the ultimate litmus test for his status as a top-tier contender.
