Breaking News: Stefanos Tsitsipas’ Shock Slump Confirmed After Stunning French Open Loss to World No. 167
In one of the most shocking upsets in recent Grand Slam history, world No. 9 Stefanos Tsitsipas has been sensationally knocked out of the 2025 French Open by unheralded world No. 167, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, in a result that has sent shockwaves through the tennis world and confirmed the Greek star’s alarming slump in form.
The 25-year-old Greek, once considered a perennial contender on clay and a 2021 French Open finalist, was handed a straight-sets defeat by the French wild card, losing 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 on Court Suzanne-Lenglen. Tsitsipas appeared stunned and visibly dejected as he exited the court to a chorus of gasps and muted applause from a shell-shocked Parisian crowd.
This loss marks Tsitsipas’ earliest exit at Roland Garros since 2019 and is his second consecutive defeat to a player ranked outside the top 100 in a Grand Slam this year—an unprecedented low for the former world No. 3. The defeat also raises serious questions about his confidence, fitness, and future in the sport, just days after he was tipped as a dark horse for the title.
A Match Few Saw Coming
Perricard, a 20-year-old Frenchman who had never won a Grand Slam main draw match before this tournament, played the match of his life, using his big serve and fearless baseline hitting to keep Tsitsipas off balance. With 16 aces and 38 winners, the French hopeful dictated the tempo and capitalized on the Greek’s growing frustration.
“I just wanted to enjoy the moment, play my tennis, and believe,” Perricard said in his on-court interview. “To beat someone like Tsitsipas here in Paris, in front of my people—it’s a dream come true.”
On the other side, Tsitsipas looked flat and disjointed throughout the match. He struggled with his return game, landed just 55% of his first serves, and produced 39 unforced errors—many of them at key moments. The defeat is emblematic of a broader pattern that has seen the Greek star falter repeatedly at crucial junctures in recent months.
Slump or Something More?
While Tsitsipas has remained in the top 10 rankings, his recent performances have raised eyebrows. Since winning the Monte-Carlo Masters in 2023, he has failed to reach a Grand Slam semifinal, has split with multiple coaches including his father Apostolos, and has shown vulnerability against lower-ranked opponents.
Tennis pundits have noted a growing lack of clarity in his game plan, particularly on clay, once considered his strongest surface. Despite his talent and athleticism, Tsitsipas has struggled to adapt to the evolving baseline-dominated power game dominating the men’s tour.
“This isn’t just a one-off upset. It’s the continuation of a downward trend that started late last season,” former world No. 1 Mats Wilander said on Eurosport. “Stefanos needs to go back to the drawing board, both mentally and tactically. The aura of invincibility he had on clay is gone.”
Reaction from the Tennis World
Social media erupted with disbelief after the result. Many fans expressed disappointment, while others praised Perricard’s fearless performance. Notably, Australian star Nick Kyrgios tweeted, “Wow. This is why tennis is brutal. Respect to Perricard for balling out, but Tsitsi has some real soul searching to do.”
Even some of Tsitsipas’ contemporaries were reportedly surprised. According to insiders, several top players watched the final set unfold from the players’ lounge, stunned by the unfolding drama.
What’s Next for Tsitsipas?
The Greek star is now facing serious pressure ahead of the grass-court swing. With his Wimbledon record modest at best, Tsitsipas will have to regroup quickly if he hopes to salvage his season.
In a brief post-match press conference, Tsitsipas admitted: “It’s tough. I didn’t play the tennis I know I can play. I need to take a step back and evaluate everything—my preparation, my mindset, my entire approach. This one hurts.”
His team declined to comment on whether any coaching or personnel changes would be made in the immediate future.
As the French Open moves forward without one of its biggest names, the spotlight turns not only to rising talents like Perricard but also to the uncertain road ahead for Stefanos Tsitsipas—once the prince of clay, now struggling to stay in the Grand Slam conversation.
