Players know once the action commences in January it won't stop until November. It's a long season full of highs and lows and after competing in 18 events in 2021, Stefanos Tsitsipas is taking a much deserved break. The Greek who is always in a rush to the next tournament realizes the importance of slowing down, and how doing so, can also lead to progress.

"It's been a minute since I've taken any time off or even just taken time for myself," he wrote on Instagram. "I always feel like I'm in a rush and should be moving forward in some shape or form, but slowly I've learned that isn’t necessarily the right way.

"Silence and solitude can also lead to progress. Over the years I've kept myself so distracted with work and travel that I didn't have the time to allow myself to feel as happy or as sad as I should have."

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The world No. 3 who fell to talented teen Carlos Alcaraz in the US Open's third round in a tough five-setter, is enjoying time alone and away from the court in the Acores Islands. Tsitsipas' "time off" post includes four high-res shots by photographer Steve the Hawk, which is Tsitsipas' alias. In a couple of the beautifully-edited stills, the 23-year-old looks deep into the camera with a certain focus in his eyes as the greenery surrounds him.

In his in-depth photo caption, he went on to talk about how it feels being in the public eye and how the highs and lows are often disregarded, but have caught up to him. The experience of being a world class tennis player has been eye opening and he left fans with a bit of advice.

"Put emphasis on your well-being, love as hard as you can, and take that extra time for yourself. Fulfillment and gratification will soon follow," he wrote.

As he recovers from the demanding tennis season, he continues to support fellow Greek Maria Sakkari who's into her first US Open semifinal on social media.