Stefanos Tsitsipas Finds Rhythm in Rotterdam Following Injury Struggles
ROTTERDAM, 12 February 2026 – Former world number three Stefanos Tsitsipas has provided a glimpse of his elite form, securing a convincing straight-sets victory over France’s Arthur Rinderknech at the ABN AMRO Open. The win marks a significant emotional and physical milestone for the Greek star, who recently admitted to a period of deep uncertainty regarding his professional future.
A Return to Form in the Netherlands
In a match lasting one hour and 23 minutes on Wednesday, Tsitsipas defeated Rinderknech 7-5, 6-3. The Greek international, currently ranked 32nd in the world, displayed the aggressive baseline play and powerful serve that previously carried him to two Grand Slam finals. For Rinderknech, the eighth seed in the tournament, the defeat was a clinical reminder of Tsitsipas’s pedigree when playing without physical restriction.
The victory comes at a crucial time for Tsitsipas. After a 2025 campaign marred by a persistent back injury—which saw him fail to progress past the second round in his final nine appearances of last year—the 27-year-old had expressed doubts about whether he could continue at the highest level. Speaking after his match in Rotterdam, he noted that the “uncertainty” of the previous season had briefly sapped his enjoyment of the sport.
Career Profile: Stefanos Tsitsipas
| Category | Details (as of February 2026) |
|---|---|
| Current ATP Ranking | No. 32 |
| Career High Ranking | No. 3 (August 2021) |
| Total ATP Titles | 12 |
| Major Accolades | ATP Finals Champion (2019), 2x Monte-Carlo Masters Winner |
| Age | 27 (Born 12 August 1998) |
| Playing Style | Aggressive Baseliner / All-court |
Overcoming the “Uncertainty” of 2025
The Greek camp has remained optimistic despite a tumble in the rankings from 11th to 32nd over the last twelve months. Reports from his coaching team suggest that Tsitsipas is finally competing without the “discomfort” that defined his 2025 season. His mother recently indicated that the player no longer feels any hindrance in his movement, a claim supported by his enterprising performance against Rinderknech.
As the ATP tour moves deeper into the 2026 season, the focus for Tsitsipas remains on consistency. Having already secured a maiden ATP 500 title in Dubai previously, his return to Rotterdam—a venue where he has historically performed well—serves as the ideal platform to rebuild his ranking and challenge the dominance of younger rivals like Carlos Alcaraz.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of Tsitsipas vs Rinderknech in Rotterdam?
Stefanos Tsitsipas won the match in straight sets, 7-5, 6-3, on Wednesday 11 February 2026.
Why did Stefanos Tsitsipas’s ranking drop in 2025?
His ranking fell to world number 32 due to a lingering back injury that affected his performance in the latter half of the 2025 season, leading to several early-round exits.
How many ATP titles has Tsitsipas won?
As of February 2026, Stefanos Tsitsipas has won 12 ATP singles titles, including the prestigious season-ending ATP Finals in 2019.