Tsitsipas launches new vlog-umentary, "Dear Fans"

“Dear fans, sometimes all you need in life is a tennis racquet, a passport and a dream."

Stefanos Tsitsipas' new digital video series, Dear Fans, is kicking off this week, with the first episode documenting his off-season preparation for the Australian Open. (Watch the trailer here and below.)

In collaboration with Tennis Channel, Dear Fans will give viewers a unique glimpse into the life of the 22-year-old as he continues to make a name for himself in the sport, on and off the court. The first episode will be available on Tennis Channel International on Thursday, with 13 additional episodes to follow over the next two years.

It's little wonder why Tsitsipas is involved in such a project: he's a passionate fan of photography, and enjoys both shooting content and editing footage. He goes everywhere with his camera; now, more cameras are going everywhere with him.

Not only is the world No. 6 the star of the show, he's also directing, producing and making all of the creative decisions.

"My dream is to explore the world, capture great moments, and win many matches along the way," the Greek says. "So pack your bags and follow me."

Since bursting onto the pro scene in 2018, the five-time ATP titlist has been especially engaging with his fans on YouTube and social media. He will allow viewers to connect with him as he chronicles his travels, hobbies and training sessions in a previously unseen video-blog format.

“Those who have followed me throughout the years know that I’m always trying to experiment creatively to reach a deeper connection with my fans,” Tsitsipas said. “Dear Fans allows me to share my journey as I explore the world and reach my ultimate potential in the sport I love.”

After its exclusive availability on Tennis Channel International, Tsitsipas’Dear Fans will run on Tennis Channel in late 2021. Versions of each episode will also appear on Tsitsipas’ YouTube channel.

The first episode starts off with Tsitsipas in Monte Carlo, one of his training bases, as he puts in the hours on court and in the gym. He introduces his team members and family, which includes mom Julia (his rock), dad Apostolos (his guide), his siblings Petros, Pavlos and Elisavet, his coach Kerei Abakar and his physiotherapist Jerome Bianchi.

It's not all forehands and backhands, though. Tsitsipas takes viewers inside his birthday celebrations, as well as on a trip to Athens for a commercial shoot (and some non-profit charity work with children).

He then heads to Dubai for a training block before making the journey Down Under for the Australian Open.

In filming Dear Fans, Tsitsipas asked to be put in uncomfortable and challenging situations. Should he progress deep into the Australian Open, expect Tsitsipas to experience a few such situations in Melbourne Park. For now, he'll be heavily favored to advance in his second-round contest with Thanasi Kokkinakis, after an exceedingly comfortable 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 win over Gilles Simon.