Third-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas advanced to his first China Open semifinals with a 7-6(3), 6-3 triumph over hard-serving John Isner from the U.S. on Friday to book his eighth semifinal of the season. During his run to the semi-finals of the China Open, the world number seven Tsitsipas took time to sit down with CGTN and talk about his grand slam breakthrough earlier this season, what he's like off court, and his hopes for the future.

The 21-year-old Greek described himself as a shy guy. "When I get to know people, I will be more open and be more like me. But it takes time," he noted.

Looking back at the 2019 Australian Open, where he upset his idol Roger Federer to reach his first Grand Slam semi-final, Tsitsipas seemed to be still on a high over the victory. "I feel like I was flying on the court that day, it was like the ultimate dream for me to play against him, standing on the court and having the crowd.. that was just wonderful," said the 21-year-old. "That day I just felt like… when you say 'you have nothing to lose,' that's exactly what I felt, I had literally nothing to lose out there (when I faced him)."

As for the future, the 2018 ATP Next Gen Finals winner said he aims high, for both grand slam titles and world number one. "I am a player who plays with a lot of passion and energy on the court, it's a good way of keeping in good relation with yourself. There are lots of players who have been on the top and I want to see my name among the best."